Imagine a dinner that's so deliciously creamy, incredibly easy, and ready in just 30 minutes - without creating a mountain of dishes! This One Pan Creamy Tomato Sauce Orzo and Chicken Sausage is about to become your ultimate go-to meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a tired parent, or just someone who loves a hassle-free yet gourmet-tasting meal, this recipe is your culinary superhero waiting to rescue your dinner dilemma.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing chicken sausage, mincing garlic, chopping spinach, and measuring out other ingredients precisely.
- Heat a large skillet or wide pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and edges start to crisp.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour in orzo pasta and stir to combine with sausage and garlic, allowing pasta to lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, stirring to coat all ingredients evenly. Reduce heat to medium.
- Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth, then cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once orzo is nearly tender, stir in heavy cream and chopped spinach, creating a creamy consistency.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring to incorporate and create a rich, velvety sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot directly from the pan.
Tips
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile
- Stir orzo frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking
- For extra richness, use homemade chicken stock instead of water
- Choose pre-cooked chicken sausage for faster preparation
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken naturally
- Use freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor and melting potential
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk
- For added nutrition, experiment with different greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 110mg
