Description
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a rich, savory one-pan wonder! Spicy Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo, fresh spinach, and a silky coconut-parmesan sauce come together in a dish that’s comforting, full of flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect cozy dinner with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup dry orzo
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2 cups low sodium chicken broth
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1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (or heavy cream)
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1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
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1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add dry orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Pour in chicken broth, stir, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Lower the heat and stir in coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme.
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Add Parmesan cheese and stir until creamy and well combined.
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Stir in spinach and cooked sausage. Cook for 1–2 more minutes, until spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
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Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Substitute heavy cream for coconut milk if you prefer a more classic creamy flavor.
Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.
Make it dairy-free by omitting Parmesan or using a plant-based cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken sausage orzo, creamy orzo skillet, one pan dinner, coconut milk pasta