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At the heart of many flavorful dishes is a good quality oil, and in this recipe, we start with olive oil. This versatile oil serves as the base for sautéing the ingredients, providing a rich and smooth foundation that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Extra virgin olive oil is an excellent choice, as it not only offers a robust taste but also has numerous health benefits, including heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Dive into this creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet for a delicious and satisfying meal! With tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes all simmered in a rich sauce, it's perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines simple ingredients for a comforting experience. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan for the ultimate touch. Your family will love this flavorful one-pan wonder!

Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound chicken sausage, sliced (your choice of flavor)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup spinach, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

    In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

      Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring it to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to slightly toast the orzo.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

          Add the heavy cream, spinach, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together.

            Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.

              Once the orzo is cooked, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

                Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet!

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4