Name: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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); 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens); ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat); Fresh parsley, chopped; Extra grated cheese; Lemon zest (for brightness)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that blends comforting flavors, creamy texture, and irresistible ease, Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal will be your new weeknight favorite. Succulent chicken sausage, perfectly tender orzo, and a velvety sauce come together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Packed with options for customizing, this dish balances familiar coziness with delightful freshness — a simple dinner that impresses every time.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things easy, but each ingredient plays a role in building big flavor, creaminess, and vibrant color. A handful of pantry staples team up with a few fresh add-ins, creating the perfect harmony in every bite.

Olive oil: Adds luscious richness and helps brown the sausage for the first layer of taste.
Chicken sausage: Pre-cooked and flavored, this shortcut packs savory depth into every forkful; choose cheddar, feta, or your favorite blend.
Onion: Finely chopped, it mellows out the dish and provides a sweet, aromatic foundation.
Garlic: Fresh cloves bring warmth and irresistible aroma—don’t skip this flavor booster.
Orzo pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta gives Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal its signature texture and soaks up all that creamy sauce.
Chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with savory depth while keeping things moist and flavorful.
Heavy cream (or Greek yogurt): Delivers silky richness; Greek yogurt is a lighter, tangy option if you prefer.
Dried thyme: Just a teaspoon brings subtle earthiness to balance the creamy sauce.
Paprika: For gentle warmth and a lovely hint of color in the skillet.
Salt: Rounds out the flavors and enhances everything else.
Black pepper: Adds a little backbone and bite to the creamy sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese (or feta): Melts into the sauce for bold flavor; match your cheese to your sausage for the perfect pairing.
Spinach or kale (optional): Toss in for a splash of green and extra nutrition—no one will complain about veggies in this sauce!
Sun-dried tomatoes (optional): If you’re after Mediterranean flair, these provide tangy sweetness and chewy texture.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick—great for those who love a little spice.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): A handful of chopped herbs brightens every serving beautifully.
Extra grated cheese (for garnish): The more cheese, the merrier—because nobody’s ever turned down a gooey finish!
Lemon zest (for garnish): Just a sprinkle perks up each bite, adding brightness to the creamy richness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Sausage

Begin by heating up a good swirl of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, introduce your sliced chicken sausage. Let it cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and fragrant. Browning brings out loads of savory flavor that will infuse the whole dish. When done, scoop the sausage onto a plate and set it aside—the real magic is still to come.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics & Orzo

In the same skillet (hello, easy cleanup!), add your finely chopped onion. Let it soften for about 2–3 minutes. Once it’s looking translucent and smelling sweet, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds. The kitchen will smell amazing! Next, add the orzo and stir constantly for one minute; this gentle toasting step enhances the orzo’s nutty flavor and helps it hold its shape.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in your chicken broth, making sure to scrape up all the tasty bits left on the pan’s bottom. Sprinkle in the thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, bring to a gentle simmer, and let cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. The pasta will plump up and absorb most of the savory broth, becoming irresistibly tender.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Now for the swoon-worthy part! Lower the heat and stir in your heavy cream (or Greek yogurt, if you’re after a lighter twist) along with the shredded cheddar cheese or feta, depending on your sausage selection. Stir until the cheese melts into pure silk. Add the browned chicken sausage back into the skillet, and if you want, fold in spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes. Watch those greens wilt and flavors meld—the sauce should be lush and glossy by the end.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Turn off the heat and give everything a final loving stir. Right before serving, shower the skillet with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness. Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal nice and warm—get ready to dig into something heavenly!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal

Garnishes

No bowl of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal is complete without a flurry of bright, fresh parsley and a final dusting of extra cheese. Lemon zest scattered over the top adds a sunny lift, making every bite taste even more vibrant and fresh from the skillet.

Side Dishes

While this dish can easily stand alone, you might want to round out your table with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or some warm garlic bread. Their crunch and freshness provide a perfect contrast to the creamy richness of the orzo and sausage. If you’re making it for guests, set out a bowl of marinated olives or a plate of charred broccolini—simple, Mediterranean-inspired sides never go out of style.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try spooning Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal into individual ramekins and broiling for a bubbly, golden cheese crust. Or, serve over a bed of fresh baby greens for a one-dish dinner salad. If you’re hosting friends, finish each plate with a drizzle of herb oil or a few roasted cherry tomatoes for Michelin-worthy flair—presentation is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal will keep happily in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days. The flavors mingle and deepen as it sits, making for fantastic next-day lunches or quick weeknight suppers. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Freezing

If you’d like to stash some away for another night, allow the orzo to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal freezes surprisingly well for up to two months, although keep in mind that creamy sauces may separate slightly upon thawing—nothing a good stir (and maybe an extra splash of cream) can’t fix.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave individual servings, pausing to stir halfway through for even heating. With every reheat, that creamy sauce and savory sausage are as comforting as ever!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While chicken sausage keeps things lighter, you can swap in turkey, pork, or even plant-based sausage. Just choose flavors that will play well with your cheese and veggies for a delicious result.

Can I make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal gluten-free?

Yes—you can find gluten-free orzo at many specialty stores or online. Be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the texture as you go and add more liquid if needed.

What’s the best way to add greens?

For spinach, simply stir in a handful during the last minute or two of cooking—the heat will wilt it perfectly. For kale, chop it a bit finer and let it cook a bit longer in the skillet so it becomes tender but stays vibrantly green.

How can I make this dish a bit lighter?

Swap out the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half, and opt for a lower-fat cheese if you like. These substitutions keep it creamy and satisfying while trimming a few calories from each serving.

Will the kids like it?

Chances are good! Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal features familiar flavors and a mild, comforting sauce that even picky palates tend to love. Feel free to leave out the red pepper flakes for a kid-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dinner that checks all the boxes—creamy, savory, family-friendly, and made in just one pan—then it’s time to try Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo : A One-Pan Meal. I can’t wait for you and your loved ones to dig in and discover why this recipe has a permanent spot in my rotation. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, satisfying bite!