This creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet combines savory chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce for an unforgettable one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. With optional add-ins like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta, you can customize this dish to suit your tastes!

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet combines tender chicken sausage, orzo pasta, and a rich creamy sauce for an easy, one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is customizable with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta, making it a versatile and flavorful dish. A comforting meal that’s quick to prepare, with minimal clean-up!

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 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 chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Simmer the Orzo:
Pour in 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 using spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, add them now.
Finish & Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or use a lower-fat cream alternative.
For added heat: Stir in red pepper flakes during the simmering process for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetarian sausage and omit any meat products for a plant-based option.
Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish, One-Pan Meal
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean (if using feta and sun-dried tomatoes)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken sausage orzo skillet is the ultimate comfort food. The tender orzo absorbs all the delicious flavors from the chicken sausage and spices, creating a creamy, hearty dish that is satisfying and quick to prepare. Whether you’re in the mood for something cheesy or looking for a lighter option, this recipe gives you plenty of flexibility with simple ingredients and minimal clean-up.

Ingredients

For the Orzo Skillet:

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)

Optional Add-Ins:

1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)

For Garnishing:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra grated cheese
Lemon zest (for brightness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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!

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

For a lighter version: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or use a lower-fat cream alternative.
For added heat: Stir in red pepper flakes during the simmering process for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetarian sausage and omit any meat products for a plant-based option.
Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular sausage instead of chicken sausage?

Yes, regular sausage can be used instead of chicken sausage, though the flavor and fat content will vary.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

3. Is orzo the only pasta option?

While orzo works perfectly in this recipe, you can substitute it with other small pasta like ditalini or even couscous if you prefer.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use a non-dairy milk or cream substitute and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese option.

5. Can I freeze the chicken sausage orzo?

Yes, you can freeze the orzo skillet for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

6. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can add any of your favorite veggies such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply sauté them along with the onions for added flavor and texture.

7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute if you want to make this dish vegetarian or simply don’t have chicken broth on hand.

8. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free orzo or substitute another gluten-free pasta for a completely gluten-free dish.

9. How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat. You can also use a spicy sausage variety.

10. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the skillet to avoid excess water in the dish.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet is an incredibly versatile and comforting dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a quiet dinner for one, the creamy, savory flavors combined with the tender orzo will make this recipe a go-to favorite. Customize it with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of a one-pan meal!

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe