Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe

This Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Orzo is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal, which features your choice of chicken sausage and tender orzo pasta. It’s a creamy, risotto-style dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.

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Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Orzo Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage (Sweet Italian, Roasted Garlic, or Andouille), sliced
• 1 ½ cups dried orzo pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (or 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes)
• 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

How To Make Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Orzo

1. Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage coins. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet (add a little more oil if dry). Sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Toast the orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the pan with the onions. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the grains. This adds nutty flavor and helps the pasta keep its texture.
4. Simmer the dish: Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Cook the pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. The orzo should be tender (al dente) and most of the liquid absorbed, creating a creamy sauce.
6. Wilt the spinach: Remove the lid. Stir in the fresh baby spinach and the cooked sausage. Stir for 1–2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sausage is heated through.
7. Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will thicken any remaining liquid and make the dish creamy.
8. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.

Recipe Tips

• Stirring is key: Orzo releases a lot of starch (like risotto). You must stir it occasionally while it simmers, or it will stick to the pan and burn.
• Liquid ratio: 1.5 cups orzo to 3 cups liquid is the standard ratio for a “saucy” finish. If you like it soupier, add an extra ½ cup of broth. If it gets too dry before the pasta is cooked, splash in some water.
• Sausage pairing: Match the sausage to the vibe. Use Italian for a classic taste, Andouille for a Cajun twist (add cajun spice instead of oregano), or Roasted Garlic for savory depth.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add diced zucchini or bell peppers in step 2 along with the onions for extra nutrition.

What To Serve With Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Orzo

This is a complete meal, but simple sides work well.

• Garlic Bread: To scoop up the creamy orzo.
• Simple Salad: Arugula with lemon vinaigrette.
• Roasted Broccoli: Adds a crunch contrast.
• White Wine: A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

How To Store Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Orzo

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Orzo absorbs liquid like a sponge. The leftovers will be a solid block. Reheat in a saucepan or microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up to a creamy consistency.
• Freeze: Not recommended. Freezing cooked pasta often results in a mushy texture upon thawing.

Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Orzo Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 480kcal
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturates: 5g
• Sugar: 4g
• Salt: 1.1g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 4 servings).

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