Description
This creamy chicken sausage orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender orzo pasta with savory chicken sausage, sweet peas, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with hearty, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Pasta
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) orzo pasta
Protein and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Vegetables
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, cooking until the peas are heated through and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Combine Sausage and Orzo: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add in the drained orzo, stirring everything to combine thoroughly.
- Melt in Parmesan and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Orzo can overcook quickly; watch closely to achieve perfect al dente texture.
- Use chicken sausage with your preferred flavor profile—mild, spicy, or herbed—to customize the dish.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with fresh peas when in season for a sweeter taste.
- Parmesan cheese adds depth but can be adjusted based on dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
