Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

If you’re searching for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly in a single pan, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet. This dish combines the bold, spicy notes of Italian chicken sausage with tender orzo pasta, a touch of creaminess, and the fresh bite of baby spinach—all simmered together in a savory, garlicky broth. It’s the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?” on a busy weeknight, without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

The beauty of this skillet meal lies in its simplicity: minimal prep, fast cook time, and very little cleanup. Yet it tastes like something you’d find at a cozy bistro. Orzo, though shaped like rice, cooks like pasta and absorbs flavors beautifully. With the addition of coconut milk or cream, parmesan, and spices, this dish becomes rich and indulgent without being heavy. It’s also incredibly adaptable—whether you want to keep it dairy-free, boost the veggies, or play with different proteins.

Perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dinner, this recipe will earn its place in your weekly rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, it’s a no-fuss, satisfying solution that never feels boring.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy prep and cleanup.
2. Flavor-Packed – Spicy sausage, garlic, herbs, and parmesan create a bold and savory profile.
3. Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
4. Customizable – Use different sausages, add veggies, or adjust the spice to fit your taste.
5. Creamy and Satisfying – The combination of cream and orzo makes for a rich, comforting dish.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Spicy Italian chicken sausage
• Garlic
• Orzo
• Chicken broth
• Coconut milk or heavy cream
• Low sodium soy sauce
• Onion powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Fresh or dried thyme
• Parmesan cheese
• Baby spinach leaves

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even shrimp instead of chicken sausage.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
• Dairy-Free Option: Stick with coconut milk and skip the parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
• Add Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash more cream at the end.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Orzo

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the dry orzo and toast for another 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10–12 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings

Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Mix well to combine.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese

Fold in baby spinach and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until spinach is wilted and the mixture is creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Stir orzo frequently to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
• Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.
• Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor—spicy varieties work especially well.
• Add more broth if the orzo absorbs too much liquid before it’s fully cooked.
• Don’t skip the toasting step—it gives the orzo a nuttier flavor.

How to Serve

This dish is a full meal on its own, but you can also pair it with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo may thicken over time but will still be flavorful.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the texture may slightly change. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

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

Yes, pork or turkey sausage works well—just be mindful of fat content and spice level.

2. Is there a substitute for orzo?

You can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice, though cook time may vary.

3. Can I make it without dairy?

Absolutely. Use coconut milk and a dairy-free parmesan substitute.

4. Is this dish spicy?

It has a kick from the sausage and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust to your liking.

5. How do I make it more filling?

Add more sausage or bulk it up with beans or extra veggies.

6. Can I use pre-cooked orzo?

It’s best to cook the orzo in the broth for full flavor, but pre-cooked can work in a pinch—just reduce the broth amount.

7. Does it reheat well?

Yes! It may thicken, so add a bit of broth or cream when reheating.

8. What kind of pan should I use?

A large, deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid is ideal for this one-pan meal.

9. Can I add more greens?

Definitely—kale, arugula, or chopped broccoli would be great additions.

10. What if I don’t have soy sauce?

You can use tamari, coconut aminos, or a small splash of Worcestershire sauce instead.

Conclusion

The Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, comforting, and packed with bold flavor. With the spicy kick of sausage, the richness of creamy orzo, and the brightness of fresh spinach, each bite is hearty yet balanced. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish proves that a one-pan meal can still feel special. Try it once, and you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.

Print