Description
Cozy comfort in 30 minutes! This one-pot creamy orzo with savory chicken sausage is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
- 1½ cups (300g) dry orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups baby spinach, packed
- 3½ cups chicken broth, low sodium
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about ½ lemon)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces, and cook until browned (5-6 minutes).
- Add diced onion and cook until softened (2-3 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced bell pepper and dry orzo to the pan. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the orzo to toast slightly.
- Pour in chicken broth and add dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Stir in spinach and let it wilt for about 1 minute. Remove from heat, then add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and most of the parsley.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.