By Rachel Simson, BuffaloDietitian.com

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 12 oz. chicken sausage sliced
  • 1 cup orzo dry
  • 2 cups bone broth or chicken stock
  • ¼ cup half and half
  • 4 cups spinach leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook the chicken sausage until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the dry orzo and toast it in the pan along with the chicken sausage and garlic for about 60 seconds. Add the bone broth to deglaze the pan. Then add in the half & half and spices.
  4. Bring the orzo mixture to a boil. Turn the heat down, cover and let the orzo simmer for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. The orzo is ready when tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Stir in the parmesan cheese. Then add in the spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach is wilted. Season with additional pepper if needed.
  6. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 1143mg | Potassium: 302mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3262IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 221mg | Iron: 4mg