Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A One-Pan Meal

 Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a cozy, flavorful one-pan dinner that comes together with minimal effort and maximum taste. Tender orzo pasta cooks in a savory, creamy broth with juicy slices of chicken sausage, making this the kind of satisfying meal I love to throw together on a busy night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish is creamy, comforting, and made all in one skillet — which means fewer dishes to wash. The chicken sausage brings smoky, savory flavor, while the orzo absorbs all the goodness of the creamy sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner because it’s fast, filling, and feels like something special with barely any cleanup.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken sausage, sliced (fully cooked)

• Orzo pasta

• Onion, finely chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Olive oil or butter

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Fresh spinach or kale (optional)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. I start by heating olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. I sauté the chopped onion until it softens, then stir in the garlic until fragrant.

3. I add the sliced chicken sausage and let it brown slightly for extra flavor.

4. I pour in the dry orzo and toast it for a minute to enhance the nuttiness.

5. I add chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, letting the orzo cook uncovered, stirring occasionally.

6. Once the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, I stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese until it’s silky and smooth.

7. I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

8. If I’m using greens, I fold in spinach or kale until wilted.

9. I let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly, then serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• I swap in turkey sausage or plant-based sausage when I want a different protein.

• For a lighter version, I use half-and-half or even whole milk instead of cream.

• I sometimes add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

• I like to toss in frozen peas or corn toward the end for added color and sweetness.

• When I want more richness, I stir in a bit of cream cheese or a dab of pesto.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of broth or cream and warm it over medium heat in a skillet or microwave until creamy again. The orzo may thicken more as it sits, so a little liquid helps bring it back to the right texture.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked sausage?

Yes, I sometimes use uncooked sausage — I just make sure to fully cook it in the skillet before adding the orzo.

What’s the best way to prevent the orzo from sticking?

I stir it occasionally as it simmers and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan to keep it loose.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely — I use a plant-based cream and skip the Parmesan, or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Will this work with rice instead of orzo?

It can, but I adjust the cooking time and liquid — orzo cooks much faster than rice, so I keep an eye on it.

How do I make it spicier?

I add extra red pepper flakes or use a spicy chicken sausage for more heat.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is the kind of one-pan comfort food I keep in regular rotation. It’s easy, filling, and packed with flavor — the kind of dish that makes dinner feel complete with minimal effort. I love that it all comes together in just one skillet, which means more time to relax and enjoy.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: A One-Pan Meal

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• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a flavorful, one-pan meal that brings together tender orzo pasta, juicy chicken sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy and comforting dish delivers savory flavor with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

• Chicken sausage, sliced (fully cooked)
• Orzo pasta
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Olive oil or butter
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Sauté chopped onion until soft, then stir in minced garlic.

3. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until slightly browned.

4. Stir in dry orzo and toast briefly.

5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer; cook uncovered, stirring occasionally.

6. Once orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, stir in cream and Parmesan cheese.

7. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

8. If using, fold in fresh spinach or kale until wilted.

9. Let the dish sit a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

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Notes

• Substitute turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for variety.
• Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, peas, or corn for extra flavor.
• Stir in a bit of cream cheese or pesto for more richness.
• Keep orzo creamy by adding a splash of broth when reheating.