Introduction

This creamy chicken sausage orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that comes together quickly. With tender chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. Customize it with your favorite greens or cheese for a delicious twist.

A close-up view of a creamy orzo pasta dish served in a white bowl with a thin black rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has about three main layers: the bottom layer is small, light golden orzo pasta, soft and coated with sauce; scattered on top are browned, round sausage slices with textured, crispy edges giving a rich brown color; and there are pieces of cooked light tan chicken breast mixed throughout. Bright green leafy spinach or herbs are dispersed evenly in the dish, adding color contrast and freshness. The sauce looks creamy and lightly thick, clinging to each piece, making the dish appear moist and rich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast it for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until smooth. Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and mix well. If using spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes, fold them in now.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, extra grated cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt added off the heat to prevent curdling.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Try different cheeses like feta for a Mediterranean flavor or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
If using greens, add them towards the end to keep them bright and fresh.

Storage

Store any leftover creamy chicken sausage orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A bowl of creamy orzo pasta mixed with browned sausage slices and chunks of cooked chicken, all coated in a light orange sauce. Bright green spinach leaves are scattered throughout, adding color and freshness. The orzo pasta is small and rice-shaped, filling most of the white bowl with a black rim. The sausage pieces are golden brown with a crispy texture on top, and the chicken pieces are tender with a light brown sear. The background is a white marbled surface with a hint of a beige cloth under the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken sausage with turkey, pork, or even plant-based sausage depending on your preference. Adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure the sausage is fully cooked.

Is orzo pasta interchangeable with other pasta shapes?

Orzo works best for this creamy skillet because it cooks quickly and creates a risotto-like texture. While you can use other small pasta shapes, cooking times and liquid amounts may vary.