Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a quick and easy one-pan meal made with orzo pasta, Italian chicken sausage, baby spinach, and a splash of broth, all simmered in a large skillet with heavy cream for a rich, comforting finish.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

This creamy chicken sausage orzo is everything a weeknight dinner should be—comforting, flavorful, and completely fuss-free. It combines the satisfying texture of orzo pasta with the savory richness of Italian chicken sausage and the creaminess of a splash of broth and heavy cream, all cooked in one large skillet for easy cleanup. Whether you’re making it fresh or using it for meal prep, this orzo recipe delivers both flavor and convenience in every bite.

Reasons to love it:

• Quick and easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• One-pan simplicity: Everything cooks in a large skillet, including the orzo pasta, saving time and cleanup.
• Customizable: Add baby spinach, red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Family-friendly: Balanced with protein, carbs, and greens—serve it with a side salad and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

This creamy chicken sausage orzo recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying one-skillet meal. Each item plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and taste, from the rich base of chicken broth and heavy cream to the hearty bite of Italian chicken sausage and orzo pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping ahead, this ingredient list sets you up for a quick and easy success you’ll want to save to your recipe card.

For the Orzo Skillet:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz Italian chicken sausage, sliced (cheddar, feta, or your preferred 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 version)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta, based on sausage flavor)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach or kale
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Garnishing:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated cheese
• Lemon zest

This creamy chicken sausage orzo comes together in one large skillet, making it a quick and easy choice for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep. The steps below walk you through building flavor from the start, using a splash of broth, tender orzo pasta, and Italian chicken sausage to create a rich, satisfying dish. Save this to your recipe card—you’ll be making it more than once.

1. Sauté the Chicken Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Italian chicken sausage and cook for 3–5 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics and Orzo

In the same skillet, add finely chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and toast it in the pan for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

3. Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to deepen the flavor. Stir in dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the orzo cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo cooks to a tender texture.

4. Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean-style variation). Stir until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined. Return the chicken sausage to the skillet, and if using, add baby spinach, spinach leaves, or sun-dried tomatoes at this stage. Let everything heat through and allow the greens to wilt slightly.

5. Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon zest. Serve hot with a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.

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Tips for Success

To get the best results from your creamy chicken sausage orzo, a few simple techniques can elevate both flavor and texture. This dish is already quick and easy, but a bit of attention to detail ensures it turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping meals in advance, these tips will help your orzo recipe shine.

• Toast the orzo pasta briefly before adding broth to build a nuttier, more complex base flavor.
• Deglaze with a splash of broth after sautéing the sausage and aromatics to capture all the flavor from the bottom of the large skillet.
• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese or cheddar for smoother melting and better taste—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well.
• Stir frequently as the orzo cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even absorption of the chicken broth and cream.
• Balance the richness of the creamy chicken sausage with ingredients like baby spinach, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest to cut through the heaviness.
• Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—this allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Equipment Needed for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Making this creamy chicken sausage orzo doesn’t require anything fancy, just a few reliable kitchen tools that help bring this orzo recipe together with ease. With one large skillet and some basic prep items, you’re ready to go from pantry to plate in under 30 minutes.

• Large skillet – Essential for cooking the sausage, toasting the orzo pasta, and simmering everything in one pan.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – For slicing Italian chicken sausage and chopping onions, garlic, or spinach leaves.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Great for stirring the orzo as it cooks and scraping up flavorful browned bits.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure you’re adding the right balance of chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings.
• Cheese grater – If you’re using freshly grated parmesan cheese or cheddar for better melt and texture.

Variations for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

This creamy chicken sausage orzo is endlessly adaptable, making it easy to tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand or the flavor profile you’re after. Whether you’re using different proteins, adjusting for dietary needs, or simply switching up the vegetables, there’s plenty of flexibility in this one-pan orzo recipe.

• Swap the sausage: Replace Italian chicken sausage with turkey sausage, plant-based sausage, or even cooked shredded chicken for a leaner option.
• Go Mediterranean: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta in place of cheddar for a brighter, more robust flavor.
• Add extra vegetables: Mix in sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers along with the baby spinach or spinach leaves.
• Spice it up: Use extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like more heat, balancing it with the creamy base of chicken broth and heavy cream.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute the cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese in place of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Experiment with these variations and save your favorites to your recipe card for future meal prep inspiration. For new ideas delivered regularly, enter your email to stay updated.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

This creamy chicken sausage orzo is rich, savory, and satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with simple sides and fresh accompaniments that balance the dish. With a tender texture from the orzo pasta and the creamy finish from a splash of broth and heavy cream, this meal deserves equally thoughtful pairings.

• Fresh side salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and contrast to the creamy chicken sausage.
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls: Ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce left in the large skillet.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve with oven-roasted asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added texture and nutrition.
• Simple antipasto platter: A small plate of olives, marinated artichokes, and fresh mozzarella complements the Italian chicken sausage in the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

1. Can I make this creamy chicken sausage orzo ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, this orzo recipe is excellent for meal prep. Let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Each will slightly change the flavor and texture, but the creamy chicken sausage orzo will still be rich and satisfying.

3. How do I prevent the orzo pasta from sticking or overcooking?
Stir the orzo regularly as it cooks in the chicken broth, and keep an eye on the liquid levels. Once the orzo cooks to al dente, lower the heat and proceed with adding the cream and sausage.

4. Can I use other greens besides baby spinach?
Yes, spinach leaves, kale, or even arugula work well in this recipe. Add them at the end so they wilt slightly into the warm sauce without becoming overcooked.

Final Thoughts

Creamy chicken sausage orzo is a quick and easy one-skillet meal that blends hearty Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a splash of broth into a rich, creamy finish with just the right balance of comfort and convenience. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this orzo recipe comes together fast and pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.

More Bibodo Recipes to Try After Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

If you enjoyed the comforting richness of this creamy chicken sausage orzo—complete with tender orzo pasta, a splash of broth, and hearty Italian chicken sausage—you’ll love these other quick and easy recipes from Bibodo. Each is designed for flavor, convenience, and minimal cleanup, just like this one-skillet favorite. Add them to your recipe card collection for busy nights, relaxed weekends, or weekly meal prep.

• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – A savory skillet dish loaded with bold spices and creamy richness.
• Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice – Perfect for when you want something warm, filling, and full of Southern flavor.
• Crack Burgers Recipe – Juicy, cheesy, and irresistibly seasoned—ideal for a fast family dinner.
• Copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt – A deliciously bold sandwich that’s great alongside a simple side salad.
• Polish Strawberry Pasta with Cream – A sweet, creamy twist on pasta that’s ideal for summer.
• Banoffee Flapjack Recipe – A gooey, golden snack bar perfect for dessert or on-the-go treats.
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Dessert (GAPS & Grain-Free) – A rich yet healthy dessert option to follow your creamy chicken sausage orzo dinner.