Name: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz chicken sausage (sliced into rounds); 1 small yellow onion (diced); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to fall in love with a one-pan wonder that brings comfort, convenience, and downright deliciousness to your dinner table—Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo. This dish is a cozy mix of tender orzo, golden-browned chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all coming together in a single skillet. Whether you’re craving something hearty for a chilly night or looking for an easy weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo checks every box.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s so magical about this dish is just how quickly pantry and fridge staples transform into something company-worthy. The ingredient list is simple, but each component pulls its own weight for taste, color, and satisfying texture. Here’s why you’ll want every item in the pan.

Olive oil: Adds a rich base for browning the sausage and building deep flavor right from the start.
Chicken sausage (12 oz): Choose a flavorful, fully cooked variety—think garlic herb or sun-dried tomato—for juicy bites in every spoonful.
Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Gives sweetness and aromatic backbone, mellowing as it cooks.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): A must for that warm, savory depth that gently perfumes every bite.
Orzo pasta (1 cup, dry): The star grain—a rice-shaped pasta that turns perfectly creamy as it absorbs the broth.
Chicken broth (2 cups, low-sodium): Provides flavor and moisture for the orzo to cook while keeping the dish light.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The secret to creating that velvety, dreamy sauce everyone will swoon over.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce, lending sharp, nutty savoriness that ties everything together.
Baby spinach (2 cups, fresh): Adds gorgeous green color, nutrients, and a fresh bite as it wilts into the mix.
Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp): A blend that brings herbal brightness and rounds out the flavor profile.
Salt & black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors—season gradually until it’s just right.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness at the finish line.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and stir occasionally as it sizzles and takes on a rich, golden color—about 4 to 5 minutes. This not only caramelizes the sausage for extra flavor but also releases delicious bits that will flavor the entire dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Garlic

Toss in the diced onion next, stirring for about 3 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute, making sure it doesn’t burn. This builds a deeply savory flavor base for the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Pour the dry orzo right into the pan, stirring with the onions and sausage for about 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting the pasta gives it a nutty aroma and helps develop a firmer texture, which makes this meal extra satisfying.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Add the low-sodium chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, giving it an occasional stir so the orzo doesn’t stick. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is plump and tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Create Creaminess

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, and Italian seasoning. Let it all melt together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the sauce is glossy and the spinach is wilted. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper before serving up this irresistible pan of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Garnishes

A generous shower of freshly chopped parsley brightens every bowl, while extra shaved Parmesan gives a restaurant-worthy finish. For a splash of color and a little zest, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Side Dishes

This dish is a star all on its own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, consider pairing Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or buttery garlic bread. Each of these sides complements the creamy pasta and adds some extra texture or freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the orzo straight from the skillet for a cozy, family-style dinner, or plate individually and top with an extra twist of black pepper. For a special occasion, spoon it into shallow bowls and finish each serving with microgreens or a tuft of arugula for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo cool completely before refrigerating. Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more comforting for next-day lunches.

Freezing

While Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is at its best freshly made, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Cool the dish first, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month—just keep in mind the texture of the orzo and cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring as you go. If the orzo has thickened in the fridge, splash in a little extra broth or cream to revive that silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While chicken sausage keeps things light and flavorful, feel free to experiment with turkey, pork, or even plant-based sausage for a twist on the classic Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo.

What if I don’t have orzo?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even broken spaghetti would work nicely—the cook time may vary a little, so keep an eye on the pasta and add broth as needed.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use a reduced-fat Parmesan if desired. You’ll still get that luscious feel while lightening things up.

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely. Fold in some peas, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or swap the spinach for kale to pack in even more nutrients and color.

Does this recipe double well for a crowd?

You bet—just use a larger skillet and keep an eye on the liquid, as you may need to add extra broth to ensure the orzo cooks evenly. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry table!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that delivers comfort and flavor with so little fuss, and Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo does exactly that every time. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every creamy, savory bite with those you love most!

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a delicious one-pan dish that combines savory chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy stovetop meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil

12 oz chicken sausage (sliced into rounds)
1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 cup dry orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
Add diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Add the orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until creamy and spinach is wilted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.