Creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying, this one-skillet wonder brings together golden-browned chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a luxuriously cheesy sauce that wraps everything in comfort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is the kind of meal that delivers big flavor without demanding a lot of effort.
What makes this dish so crave-worthy is its balance of hearty and creamy. The browned sausage adds richness and depth, while the orzo becomes silky and full-bodied as it cooks right in the pan, absorbing every drop of the garlicky, Parmesan-spiked sauce. Toss in a handful of baby spinach or kale at the end, and you have a meal that’s both comforting and colorful.
Ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
- Extra Parmesan, for garnish
Step 1: Sear the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and slightly crisp around the edges. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
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 more until fragrant.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the onion-garlic mixture. Let it toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
Step 4: Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper. Let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Greens
Add the Parmesan cheese and spinach or kale. Stir until the greens are wilted and the cheese is melted and silky. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, toss to combine, and serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely. You can swap chicken sausage for turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based option. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it back to the skillet.
What can I use instead of orzo?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or pastina can work in a pinch. For a gluten-free version, try rice or gluten-free orzo.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based cream and skip the Parmesan or substitute with a dairy-free cheese. The flavor and texture will change slightly but still be delicious.
How can I make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or use a spicy chicken sausage for extra heat.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added during the sauté step with the onions.
What should I serve with it?
It’s hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad or roasted veggies make excellent side dishes.
The Best Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
If you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and easy to whip up on a weeknight, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is your new best friend. This comforting one-pan meal combines juicy, seared chicken sausage with tender orzo pasta, all wrapped in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s one of those go-to dinner ideas that work when you need a hearty, flavorful dish that doesn’t demand much cleanup. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner solutions or fresh food ideas to jazz up your weeknight rotation, this easy recipe checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
Extra Parmesan, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken sausage and cook 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the same skillet and cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Stir in orzo and toast 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and greens. Stir until wilted and creamy. Return sausage to skillet and combine.
- Serve warm topped with extra Parmesan.