Many people struggle to find recipes that are simple, healthy and delicious. When you finally discover one that checks every box, it often earns a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation. Some of these go-to dishes come from experimenting in the kitchen, while others are gems we stumble upon on social media that turn out great every time.
When @fridasofiaeats posted this six-ingredient recipe on Instagram, it went viral. The meal—she affectionately calls it a “spinach and artichoke orzo dinner”—requires a combination of orzo pasta, chicken sausage, cherry tomatoes, spinach, spinach artichoke dip and broth. The ingredients are mixed in a baking dish, cooked in the oven and served as a one-pot meal. Since it’s packed with protein, vegetables, and pasta, it makes a complete meal, so there’s no need to plan sides to accompany it.
Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 8-ounce package spinach artichoke dip, at room temperature
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place orzo, chicken sausage, cherry tomatoes and spinach in an oven-safe baking dish. Place dip in the middle, cover with broth and drizzle with olive oil (optional). Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until pasta is al dente; stir to combine.
- Serve warm.
This One-Pot Recipe Is Loaded With Protein and Vegetables
@fridasofiaeats used ingredients from Trader Joe’s, including her self-proclaimed favorite cheddar chicken sausage, spinach artichoke dip and chicken broth. Fans took to the comments section to request the full recipe, with some offering suggestions on how to enhance the flavor.
“Made this tonight, exactly as it appears in this video, and I appreciate how convenient it was! Just some suggestions: the end result is very, very bland. It needs considerable salt, pepper, and other spices to have flavor. I recommend adding crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and oregano,” said one person. “THANK YOU!! I made this for dinner tonight and added in the spices you suggested. It was delicious!!” exclaimed someone in response. One person recommended using a bolder spinach artichoke dip.
Another way to add some flavor would be to sear the chicken sausage in a bit of olive oil and fresh garlic before adding it to the pan, along with the suggested dried herbs and spices. Add a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, with chopped fresh basil and oregano before serving for a fresh, umami-rich finish. This recipe would make great leftovers, too, which is a requirement for any recipe that goes on my meal plan.
Related: This Cottage Cheese Baked Eggs Recipe Is the High-Protein Breakfast Hack You Need
