Here's a recipe for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet that serves 4-6 people:
**Required Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 pound sweet or hot Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup orzo pasta
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the pasta is lightly toasted.
4. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the skillet simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Stir in the spinach, parsley, and feta cheese (if using). Cook until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted.
8. Return the chicken sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
9. Serve the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet hot, garnished with additional parsley and feta cheese if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* To make the dish more substantial, add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet with the onion.
* Use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or bratwurst, for a unique flavor.
* Add some heat to the dish by using hot Italian sausage or adding some red pepper flakes.
* Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
* Add some diced cooked bacon or ham to the skillet for added smokiness.
* Use different herbs and spices, such as thyme or paprika, to give the dish a unique flavor.
* Make the dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth and skipping the chicken sausage. Add some roasted vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini, to the skillet.
* Make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free chicken broth and orzo pasta.
**Correct Cooking Techniques:**
* Make sure to cook the orzo pasta until it's lightly toasted, as this will help it absorb the flavors better.
* Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the orzo to stick together. Cook in batches if necessary.
* Stir the skillet constantly to prevent the orzo pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
* Don't overcook the chicken or sausage, as this can make them dry and tough.
* Let the skillet simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the orzo to absorb the liquid.
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