Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pot orzo dish made with spicy Italian chicken sausage, tender spinach, garlic, and parmesan, simmered in a creamy broth for the perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup canned full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Sauté sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned (6–7 minutes). Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast orzo: Stir in dry orzo and cook for 1 minute with the sausage and garlic.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in chicken broth. Add coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add greens and cheese: Once orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the spinach until wilted. Add parmesan and stir until the mixture is creamy and combined.
- Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad if desired.
Notes
Use vegan parmesan and coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for variety. Adjust spice level with more or less red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop / One-Pot
- Cuisine: Modern Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg