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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

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A comforting and flavorful dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken sausage, and a creamy sauce enhanced with spices and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta)
  • 1 cup spinach or kale
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated cheese
  • Lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
  4. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta). Mix until smooth. Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine. If adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, mix them in at this step.
  5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm!

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different chicken sausage flavors and herbs to suit your taste preferences.

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