Easy Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet: A Weeknight Lifesaver
There’s something magical about a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes—especially on those evenings when the day has stretched too long, and the thought of chopping, stirring, and scrubbing multiple pots feels like a Herculean task. That’s exactly why this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet has become a star in my kitchen rotation. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor, yet it practically cooks itself while I pour a glass of wine and finally take a breath.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly chaotic week when my grocery haul consisted of random fridge leftovers and a lone package of chicken sausage. Orzo, that tiny rice-shaped pasta, was my saving grace—it cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors of the broth, cream, and herbs. The result? A dish that feels indulgent but is secretly simple. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Just enough to sauté and build flavor.
- 12 oz chicken sausage – I love using a spicy Italian variety for a kick, but any flavor works!
- 1 small onion, diced – The humble onion is the foundation of so many great dishes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because no skillet meal is complete without garlic.
- 1 cup orzo – The star of the show! It cooks fast and gets wonderfully creamy.
- 2 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium is best here, so you can control the seasoning.
- ½ cup heavy cream – This adds the luscious, velvety texture we crave.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning – A simple blend that does all the herby heavy lifting.
- 1 cup baby spinach – For a pop of color and nutrients (plus, it wilts down beautifully).
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan – The salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
- Salt & pepper to taste – Always season as you go!
Let’s Get Cooking
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the chicken sausage into coins—I like them about ½-inch thick for a nice bite. Add them to the skillet and let them sizzle until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes total. Don’t rush this step! Those caramelized edges add so much depth.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Push the sausage to one side of the skillet and add the diced onion. Let it soften for 2-3 minutes until translucent, then stir in the minced garlic. The second that garlic hits the pan, the aroma will have your kitchen smelling like an Italian trattoria. (Pro tip: If the pan seems dry, add a splash of broth to loosen things up.)
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the orzo to the skillet and stir it into the onions and sausage. Let it toast for just a minute—this enhances its nutty flavor. Then, pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good scrape to lift any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those little bits are flavor gold!
Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
This creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet is wonderfully adaptable to whatever you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Protein swaps: Try Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even diced chicken breast instead of chicken sausage.
- Veggie additions: Stir in spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Creaminess boost: For an even richer dish, stir in an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
- Cheese lovers: Sprinkle with extra parmesan or add a handful of shredded mozzarella before serving.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat.
What to Serve With Your Orzo Skillet
This dish is satisfying enough to stand alone, but pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette for soaking up the creamy sauce
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
- A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) store beautifully:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Microwave works too – just stir every 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or even penne work well, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a creamy vegan alternative.
Can I make this in advance?
While best fresh, you can prepare the components ahead and combine when ready to serve. The flavors actually deepen overnight!
What if my orzo absorbs too much liquid?
No worries – just stir in an extra 1/4 cup of broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a one-pan meal that comes together with minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor. This creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet has become a weeknight hero in my kitchen – the kind of dish that feels special enough for company but easy enough for busy evenings. I hope it brings as much warmth and satisfaction to your table as it does to mine. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation – I’d love to see how yours turns out!
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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Description
A comforting one-pan dish featuring chicken sausage, orzo, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in orzo and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, spinach, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Return sausage to the skillet. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.
