Chicken Sausage Orzo Dish (Print-Friendly Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Skillet Orzo Base
01 -
15 ml of olive oil
02 -
340 g sliced chicken sausage (pick cheddar, feta, or your favorite kind)
03 -
80 g diced onions
04 -
2 finely chopped garlic cloves
05 -
180 g of orzo pasta
06 -
480 ml chicken stock (low sodium)
07 -
120 ml Greek yogurt or heavy cream
08 -
1 g thyme (dried)
09 -
1 g paprika powder
10 -
3 g salt
11 -
1 g black pepper, ground
12 -
60 g of shredded cheddar or crumbled feta cheese
→ Optional Extras
13 -
30 g kale or spinach
14 -
30 g of sun-dried tomatoes
15 -
1 g red chili flakes
→ Toppings
16 -
Chopped fresh parsley
17 -
Additional grated cheese
18 -
Lemon peel zest
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Warm a large skillet on medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Toss in the sliced chicken sausage and brown it for 3–5 minutes. Take it out of the pan and set it aside for later.
02 -
Using the same skillet, sauté the onions for about 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for roughly 30 seconds. Add the orzo and keep stirring constantly for a minute to toast it lightly.
03 -
Pour in the chicken stock, and be sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Stir in your paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Let it simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring every once in a while, until the orzo is just tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
04 -
Bring the heat down to low, and mix in your Greek yogurt or cream along with the cheese until everything turns creamy and smooth. Toss the cooked sausage back in, and if you want extra ingredients like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, now’s the time to add them. Stir well to combine.
05 -
Turn off the heat. Scatter chopped parsley, extra cheese, and some lemon zest on top. Serve it hot and fresh!
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Using full-fat cheese and cream gives it a richer, silkier finish.
02 -
Keep an eye on the orzo while cooking—soft but not mushy is the way to go.
03 -
Toasting your orzo adds a beautiful nutty hint to the flavor.