DESCRIPTION OF SPICY CHICKEN ORZO COMFORT SKILLET
Dive into the comforting embrace of our Spicy Chicken Orzo Comfort Skillet. This dish combines succulent slices of spicy Italian chicken sausage with tender orzo pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, garlicky sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, this skillet meal brings a touch of gourmet to everyday dining, satisfying hungry families with its robust flavours and wholesome ingredients.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 4
CUISINE
- Italian-American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Sauté, Simmer
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Family Reunion, Weeknight Dinner, Casual Dining
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- High Fibre, Low Sugar, Kid Friendly
DISH TYPE
- Pasta
INGREDIENTS FOR SPICY CHICKEN ORZO COMFORT SKILLET
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced: 12 oz
- Garlic, minced: 6 cloves
- Orzo, dry: 1 cup
- Low sodium chicken broth: 2 cups
- Full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream: 1/4 cup
- Low sodium soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Onion powder: 1 tsp
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Fresh or dried thyme: 1 tbsp
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Baby spinach leaves 2 cups.
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 22g
PREPARATION FOR SPICY CHICKEN ORZO COMFORT SKILLET
- Heat the Skillet: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and sauté until browned.
- Add Garlic and Orzo: Stir in minced garlic and orzo, cooking until garlic is fragrant and orzo is lightly toasted.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, stirring to loosen any bits stuck to the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Creamy Mixture: Mix in coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Let simmer until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed about 10 minutes.
- Add Greens and Cheese: Stir in baby spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted into the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh thyme. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
PREP TIME
- 10 minutes
COOKING TIME
- 20 minutes
TIPS FOR SPICY CHICKEN ORZO COMFORT SKILLET
- For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Swap chicken sausage for turkey sausage if desired for a lighter option.
VARIATIONS
- Incorporate roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet contrast to the spicy sausage.
- Use arugula instead of spinach for a peppery bite.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR SPICY CHICKEN ORZO COMFORT SKILLET
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
This Spicy Chicken Orzo Comfort Skillet is a delightful way to wrap up a busy day with a nutritious, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly.