Imagine a meal that combines the perfect blend of comfort and convenience - a dish so delicious and effortless that it'll become your new weeknight superhero! This One Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage recipe is about to revolutionize your dinner routine, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you're a busy professional, a tired parent, or just someone who loves a quick and satisfying meal, this Italian-inspired creation will have you falling in love with cooking all over again.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients: Slice chicken sausage into even rounds, halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic, and measure out all other ingredients.
- Heat a large skillet or wide pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly browned and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Remove sausage from pan and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat with the garlic and sausage drippings, toasting the pasta for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken sausage to the pan, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow remaining liquid to be absorbed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep is Key: Slice your chicken sausage evenly and have all ingredients measured out before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process.
- Don't Skip the Toasting: When adding orzo to the pan, take the time to lightly toast it. This step enhances the pasta's nutty flavor and helps it absorb the broth more effectively.
- Watch Your Heat: Medium-high heat is crucial for browning the sausage and developing rich flavors without burning.
- Liquid Absorption Matters: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks. You want it tender but not mushy, with most of the liquid absorbed.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes for the brightest flavor and most vibrant presentation.
- Cheese Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt beautifully and add a luxurious finish to the dish.
- Resting is Important: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld and the liquid fully absorb.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
