Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet With Sun Dried Tomato Basil Swirl

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Swirl is your answer! It’s a one-pan wonder that combines the heartiness of chicken sausage, the delicate chew of orzo pasta, and a vibrant swirl of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to your dietary needs – we’ve included notes for halal and dairy-free options. Get ready to experience a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Lineup

• 300g (10.5oz) Halal Chicken Sausage, sliced: We recommend using a high-quality halal chicken sausage for the best flavor. Italian or sweet sausage varieties work particularly well, adding a savory depth to the dish. Slicing the sausage ensures it cooks evenly and distributes its flavor throughout the skillet.
• 200g (7oz) Orzo Pasta: Orzo, often called ‘risoni,’ is a rice-shaped pasta that adds a lovely texture to this skillet. Its small size allows it to absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor and health benefits. It forms the base for sautéing the aromatics and adds a subtle fruity note to the dish.
• 1 Small Onion, finely diced (about 80g / 2.8oz): A finely diced onion provides a foundational layer of sweetness and aroma. Yellow or white onions are both suitable.
• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced: Freshly minced garlic is essential for a robust flavor. Be careful not to burn it, as this can make it bitter.
• 250ml (1 cup) Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth adds depth of flavor and helps cook the orzo. Choose a low-sodium variety to control the saltiness of the dish.
• 250ml (1 cup) Unsweetened Almond Milk or Halal-Certified Dairy Milk: Almond milk creates a creamy texture while keeping the dish dairy-free. If you prefer, you can substitute with halal-certified dairy milk for a richer flavor.
• 100g (3.5oz) Grated Mozzarella Cheese (Halal-Certified): Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds a delightful stretchiness to the sauce. Ensure it’s halal-certified if required.
• 80g (½ cup) Sun-Dried Tomatoes, finely chopped: Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated burst of tangy, umami flavor. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are preferable, as they are softer and more flavorful.
• 1 Tbsp (15g) Fresh Basil, chopped: Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken sausage.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Lemon Zest: Lemon zest brightens the flavors and adds a subtle citrusy aroma.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key! Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
• 2 Tbsp (30g) Toasted Pine Nuts, for garnish: Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• A few Fresh Basil Leaves, for garnish: A final touch of fresh basil adds visual appeal and enhances the aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Chicken Sausage: Italian turkey sausage or even pre-cooked grilled chicken can be used.
• Orzo: Small shell pasta or ditalini can be substituted for orzo.
• Almond Milk: Coconut milk or oat milk are good dairy-free alternatives.
• Mozzarella: Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead of mozzarella.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Roasted red peppers can offer a similar sweetness and color.

Let’s Make This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet – Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet (12-inch is ideal) over medium heat. Add the sliced halal chicken sausage and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly browned – about 4 minutes. This browning adds a lot of flavor, so don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until translucent. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more. Garlic burns easily, so keep a close eye on it!
3. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Toasting the orzo enhances its nutty flavor and helps it maintain its shape during cooking. You’ll notice a subtle change in aroma when it’s toasted.
4. Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed – approximately 8 minutes. Al dente means ‘to the tooth’ in Italian, so it should still have a slight bite.
5. Create the Creamy Base: Stir in the almond (or dairy) milk and continue to simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and become creamy. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
6. Melt the Mozzarella: Add the grated mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. The mozzarella adds richness and a beautiful texture.
7. Infuse with Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil: This is where the magic happens! Gently fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and lemon zest. Use a spatula to *swirl* the mixture, creating visible ribbons of the sun-dried tomato and basil throughout the creamy base. This isn’t just about flavor; it’s about visual appeal!
8. Combine & Heat Through: Return the browned chicken sausage to the skillet and mix it into the creamy orzo. Heat for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Season & Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Plate immediately, garnish with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves, and enjoy!

Why This Skillet Recipe Works: The Science of Creaminess

The key to this dish’s incredible creaminess isn’t actually cream! It’s the starch released from the orzo as it cooks, combined with the emulsifying power of the mozzarella cheese and the slight acidity of the almond (or dairy) milk. As the orzo simmers, it releases starches into the liquid, creating a naturally thickened sauce. The mozzarella then helps to bind the liquid and starches together, creating a smooth, velvety texture. The almond milk adds a subtle sweetness and helps to balance the richness of the cheese.

Tips for the Best Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Swirl

Achieving that beautiful sun-dried tomato basil swirl is easier than you think! The trick is to gently fold in the ingredients and then use a spatula to create a swirling motion, rather than stirring everything in completely. This preserves the distinct ribbons of color and flavor. Don’t overmix – you want to see those vibrant pops of red and green!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Feel free to customize this skillet to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Sausage: Italian sausage (halal-certified, of course!) would be a delicious substitute for the chicken sausage.
• Orzo: If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or risoni.
• Milk: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to almond milk, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
• Vegetables: Add some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency. The sauce may thicken upon standing, so a little extra liquid will help to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this ahead of time? While it’s best served immediately, you can prepare the orzo and sausage ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, orzo is made from wheat. You can substitute with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
• Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? While fresh basil is preferred, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil in place of 1 tablespoon of fresh.

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a weeknight winner – quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

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