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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake

creamy chicken sausage orzo bake - featured image

A bubbling casserole dish filled with tender orzo, rich and velvety cream sauce, and juicy chicken sausage, all topped with a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect for cozy evenings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Chicken sausage (smoked or garlic-flavored)
  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
  4. Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Add the orzo and stir well to combine.
  5. Once the broth has reduced slightly, add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to coat the orzo evenly, letting it simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
  6. Pour the orzo mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  7. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the orzo; it will finish cooking in the oven.’, ‘Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.’, ‘Season the cream sauce generously before baking.’, ‘Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to thicken.’, ‘Double the recipe for meal prep; it freezes beautifully.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken sausage orzo bake, chicken sausage casserole, orzo pasta recipe, comfort food, easy dinner recipe