Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, a one-pan meal that’s rich, cozy, and full of flavor. Orzo pasta cooks directly in a creamy, garlicky broth alongside tender pieces of chicken sausage and a handful of fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrients. It’s fast, family-friendly, and comes together in just one skillet—perfect for nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor.
One-pan cooking = less cleanup.
Ready in about 30 minutes.
Balanced with protein, pasta, and greens.
Ideal for both quick weeknights and relaxed dinners.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
For this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, you’ll need a mix of fresh and pantry staples that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
Olive oil: A staple in any kitchen, it adds richness and helps sauté the sausage and veggies.
Chicken sausage: This is the star of the dish! Choose your favorite flavor—spicy, sweet, or herb-infused—for a personal touch.
Onion: Diced onions bring sweetness and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a fragrant kick that elevates the dish to new heights.
Orzo pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly, making it a delightful addition.
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option, providing a savory base for the orzo.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the dish creamy and indulgent. For a lighter version, consider half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, wilting beautifully into the dish.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust to your taste for the perfect balance.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley is a lovely garnish that adds freshness and a splash of color.
For those looking to customize, feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Making Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is straightforward and fun. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced chicken sausage. Sauté it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial; it adds a depth of flavor to your dish. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t worry; it will return to the party soon!
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s heavenly! Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This will make your dish sing with flavor!
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Now, it’s time to add the orzo pasta. Stir it into the skillet, mixing it well with the onions and garlic. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the pasta, making it even more delicious when combined with the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the orzo to be al dente, so keep an eye on it. This is where the magic happens, as the orzo absorbs all those wonderful flavors!
Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Spinach
Once the orzo is cooked to perfection, stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Add the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. The creamy sauce will envelop the orzo and sausage, creating a comforting embrace of flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This is the final touch that makes your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo irresistibly creamy and rich. Give it a good mix until the cheese melts and everything is beautifully combined. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley for that extra pop of color!
Tips for Success
Prep your ingredients before starting to save time and keep the cooking process smooth.
Don’t skip toasting the orzo; it enhances the flavor significantly.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste; a little extra salt can elevate the dish.
For added texture, consider tossing in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days—just reheat gently!
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: A non-stick skillet works best, but any large pan will do.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurate ingredient portions.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping your veggies.
Knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes prep a breeze.
Variations of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy chicken sausage or add red pepper flakes for a heat boost.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fragrant twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa for a gluten-free meal.
Protein Boost: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for added protein.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Side Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad for a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Wine Pairing: A chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the dish beautifully.
Presentation: Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-style finish.
FAQs about Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Can I use regular sausage instead of chicken sausage? Absolutely! While chicken sausage keeps it lighter, any sausage you love will work. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo gluten-free? Yes, if you use gluten-free orzo or substitute it with quinoa, you can enjoy this dish without gluten.
How can I make this dish dairy-free? For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese.
Can I prepare this dish in advance? You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo? This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Cooking is more than just a task; it’s a way to connect with those we love. My Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo has become a cherished recipe in my home, bringing warmth and joy to our dinner table. The creamy sauce, tender orzo, and flavorful chicken sausage create a comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this recipe never fails to impress. I hope it brings as much happiness to your kitchen as it has to mine, creating delicious memories one bite at a time.
A creamy and delicious dinner recipe featuring chicken sausage and orzo pasta, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, and the cooked chicken sausage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
