Looking for a simple, hearty, and delicious weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup? This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet recipe is the answer! Packed with savory chicken sausage, creamy orzo, and fresh veggies, this one-pan dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish and offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes make cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: Easily swap vegetables or add different spices to suit your taste.
- Comforting and Creamy: The orzo and creamy sauce blend into a rich, cozy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced into rounds (use mild or spicy sausage as preferred)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Sausage
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
- In the same skillet, add the orzo and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to lightly toast the orzo.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let the orzo cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Once the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed, add the heavy cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the cooked sausage, chopped spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and the vegetables are softened.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Season
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- Choose Quality Sausage: Chicken sausage flavors vary; pick one that complements the dish, such as garlic, basil, or spicy Italian sausage.
- Vegetable Variations: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost the veggie content.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a kick.
- Lighten It Up: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk for a lighter version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a perfect blend of savory flavors, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients that make it a quick and satisfying one-pan meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy this cozy, flavorful meal any night of the week with minimal effort and maximum taste!
Serving and Storage Tips for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Offer crusty bread or garlic bread to scoop up the sauce for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Add a Vegetable Side: Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans make great veggie companions.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish holds up well in the fridge, with flavors developing even more over time.
- Freezing: Although orzo can get slightly softer upon reheating, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
- On the Stove: Reheat in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth, cream, or milk to restore the creamy texture if it’s thickened in the fridge.
- In the Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Add a small amount of liquid to keep the sauce smooth.
By following these tips, your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet will be just as delicious as when freshly made!
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta alternative, like gluten-free orzo or small quinoa pasta. Adjust cooking time as needed, since gluten-free pasta can cook differently.
2. Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely. You can use pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Each type brings a unique flavor, so choose based on your preference.
3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk with a spoonful of dairy-free cream cheese to add thickness.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it with a little added liquid, like broth or cream, to bring back its creamy consistency before serving.
PrintCreamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a delightful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines flavorful chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a creamy tomato sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying dish the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 fully cooked Italian chicken sausage links, sliced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- ⅓ cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- ⅓ cup crushed tomatoes (or jarred marinara sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes.
- Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes until browned.
- Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics and Orzo:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and uncooked orzo.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
- Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix well to combine.
- Add Broth and Simmer:
- Pour in the 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is al dente.
- If the orzo absorbs the liquid too quickly, add an extra splash of broth as needed.
- Incorporate Cream and Spinach:
- Stir in the heavy cream, crushed tomatoes, and chopped spinach.
- Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts.
- Finish and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the juice of half a lemon and mix well.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.