Description
This creamy, one-pan dish combines spicy Italian chicken sausage with tender orzo, sautéed garlic, fresh spinach, and rich coconut milk or heavy cream. Topped with Parmesan cheese, it’s a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for a cozy dinner.
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 orzo, dry
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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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Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Cook the orzo: Add the dry orzo to the skillet and stir for a minute to coat in the garlic and oil. Then, add the chicken broth, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has absorbed.
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Add the cream and sausage: Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and thyme. Add the cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together until creamy and well-combined.
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Finish the dish: Add the spinach leaves and stir until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
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Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
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If you prefer a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
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For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
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Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Skillet Meal
- Method: Stovetop, One-pan
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired