Some nights I just want dinner to hit that sweet spot of comforting and light—nothing too heavy but still enough to feel like I’m treating myself. That’s exactly what this low calorie chicken sausage orzo delivers. It’s the kind of meal you make on a whim, when you’re juggling a million things but want something that feels homemade and fresh.
I remember the first time I cooked this, my mind was halfway through a million to-dos, and I almost burned the garlic because I got distracted by a buzzing email notification. But the smell of the sausage browning and the garlic toasting pulled me right back. The tomatoes softened just enough to burst with a little sweetness, and the spinach wilted into that silky texture that makes you want to eat every last bite. It’s cozy without being heavy—a little bowl of calm in a hectic evening.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Light and flavorful, perfect for when you want a comforting meal that won’t weigh you down.
- Quick to make—ready in about 30 minutes, so it fits into busy weeknights.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point: no fuss, just honest, satisfying food.
- Fresh veggies add brightness and nutrients without extra calories.
- Leftovers keep well, but honestly, it’s hard to have any left over.
If you’re worried about whether it’ll be filling enough, the chicken sausage adds just the right amount of protein to keep you satisfied, without feeling overly rich.
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Low Calorie Chicken Sausage Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A light and flavorful low calorie chicken sausage orzo dish, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken sausage pairs with orzo pasta and fresh vegetables in a simple, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
8 ounces low calorie chicken sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup orzo pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the sausage and vegetables.
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet.
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a sturdy skillet for even cooking, but honestly, any wide pan works here. One of my favorite ways to serve this is with a simple green salad or some crusty bread if you’re feeling indulgent. Sometimes I swap the spinach for kale or add a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want a little heat. I haven’t tried it with different sausage types much, but chicken sausage keeps it light while still packing flavor.
FAQ:
Can I make this gluten-free? You could swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or even quinoa, though cooking times might vary a bit.
Is it okay to meal prep? Absolutely, it reheats nicely. Just add a splash of broth or water when warming up to keep it from drying out.
Can I add more veggies? Sure! Bell peppers or zucchini would be great stirred in toward the end of cooking.
When dinner feels rushed and you want something that’s both nourishing and easy, this low calorie chicken sausage orzo is ready to step in. Give it a try tonight—you might just find it’s your new go-to.