why make this recipe
This one-pan meal cooks fast and cleans up fast. It gives creamy, comforting orzo with flavorful chicken sausage in one skillet. You get protein, carbs, and greens in one dish. If you like easy weeknight meals, try this instead of takeout. For other one-pan ideas, see this simple 10-minute air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe.
introduction
This recipe makes a creamy, tasty pasta dinner in one pan. The orzo soaks up broth and cream. The chicken sausage adds spice and meat without long cooking. You can change cheese, add greens, or use sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch. The dish fits busy nights and small families. If you want a baked orzo idea, check this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole.
why make this recipe
This meal saves time. You cook everything in one skillet. It needs simple ingredients you may already have. It is flexible: swap sausage, cheese, or greens. It tastes rich but is easy to make. You can make it creamy with heavy cream or lighter with Greek yogurt.
how to make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A One-Pan Meal
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook 3–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add ½ cup chopped onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds. Add 1 cup orzo and toast 1 minute, stirring.
- Pour in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits. Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring, until the orzo absorbs most liquid.
- Lower the heat and stir in ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt) and ½ cup shredded cheddar (or feta). Mix until smooth. Add cooked sausage back to the pan. Stir in 1 cup spinach or kale and ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes if using. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat if you like.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra grated cheese, and lemon zest. Serve warm.
For a different flavor profile and ideas to change the dish, see this Brazilian coconut chicken for inspiration on mixing flavors.
Ingredients :
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 oz chicken sausage, sliced (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety)
½ cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta, depending on your sausage flavor)
1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra grated cheese
Lemon zest (for brightness)
Directions :
- Sauté the Chicken Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Cook the Aromatics & Orzo
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently. - Simmer the Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid. - Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta for a Mediterranean twist). Mix until smooth. Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine. If adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, mix them in at this step. - Finish & Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm!
how to serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A One-Pan Meal
Serve hot straight from the pan. Add extra grated cheese on top and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Pair with a green salad or simple roasted vegetables. This also works well with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
how to store Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A One-Pan Meal
Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals stirring between.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A One-Pan Meal
- Toast the orzo well for better flavor.
- Use low-sodium broth so you control salt.
- Stir often while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Add greens near the end so they stay bright.
- For lighter creaminess, use Greek yogurt off heat and stir in slowly.
- If sauce is too thick after cooling, add a little hot broth when reheating. You can also try different sausage flavors for variety and extra spice.
variation (if any)
- Mediterranean: Use feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
- Cheesy comfort: Use cheddar and add extra cheese.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
- Lighter: Swap cream for Greek yogurt and use turkey or chicken sausage.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes. Use small pasta like ditalini or small shells. Cook time may change.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze it, but texture may change. Freeze in portions up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge and reheat with extra liquid.
Q: How do I stop the dish from drying out when reheating?
A: Add a splash of broth or water and heat slowly while stirring.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A: Yes. If pre-cooked, add it back later just to heat through.
Conclusion
For more one-pan ideas and similar recipes, see these guides: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet – Eat Yourself Skinny, One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo – Eating Bird Food, and One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo – One Balanced Life.