Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet – A Comforting One-Pan Dinner

When it comes to quick and comforting dinners, there’s nothing quite like a skillet meal that combines protein, pasta, and veggies into a creamy, satisfying dish. The Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a hearty, flavor-packed recipe that checks all the boxes for busy weeknights. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with perfectly browned chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh spinach—all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup.

This recipe is a dream for home cooks who crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. By using simple pantry staples and just 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a wholesome meal that tastes like it came from your favorite bistro. Let’s dive into the ingredients, cooking method, and all the delicious ways you can enjoy this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash, more time to relax.
• Family-Friendly: Creamy pasta and savory sausage are a hit with both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Swap out greens, change the sausage, or adjust the spices to your liking.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Toast the orzo: Add uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.
4. Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Cook orzo: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and sauce thickens.
6. Add greens: Stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
7. Combine sausage: Return browned chicken sausage to the skillet and mix until heated through.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

A hearty one-pan dinner with golden chicken sausage, tender orzo, spinach, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz chicken sausage sliced into rounds
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Stir in uncooked orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and sauce thickens.
6. Stir in spinach and Parmesan until creamy. Return sausage to skillet.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Best served immediately. Can be stored in fridge for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

• Swap the protein: Try turkey sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Serve with roasted vegetables for extra nutrients.
• This dish is also great for meal prep—store in airtight containers and reheat for lunch.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Orzo, though shaped like rice, is actually a small pasta that originates from Italy. Its name means “barley” in Italian, and it’s prized for its versatility in soups, salads, and creamy skillet dishes like this one. Chicken sausage, on the other hand, has grown popular in American kitchens as a leaner, flavorful alternative to pork sausage. The marriage of these two ingredients creates a fusion of Italian comfort and American practicality, making this skillet recipe a modern classic.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g