One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe

If you’re after a cozy, quick meal bursting with flavor and color, you’re going to fall in love with this One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo. Savory sausage, tender orzo, fresh greens, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all made in just one skillet, for a weeknight dinner that feels totally effortless yet tastes delightfully gourmet!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients—this One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo recipe keeps things refreshingly simple while still packing in plenty of flavor, creaminess, and color. Here’s how each one adds its own special magic to the dish.

• Olive oil: Helps the onions and garlic sweat and brings a luscious base to sauté everything.
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the entire skillet.
• Garlic: Four cloves for big, bold flavor—don’t skimp! It’s the heart of every good skillet dinner.
• Mild Italian chicken sausage: Brings savory goodness and a bit of juiciness; use your favorite fully-cooked brand for extra ease.
• Orzo: This petite pasta soaks up all the flavors and creates that cozy, risotto-esque texture.
• Chicken broth or bone broth: The broth infuses the orzo with extra richness; bone broth adds even more protein.
• Italian seasoning: A shortcut to robust, herby flavor—just a teaspoon goes a long way.
• Sea salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
• Full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream: Both options give you that irresistible, velvety sauce without weighing things down.
• Freshly grated parmesan: Melts right in for cheesy, savory undertones that make it impossible to stop at one bowl.
• Baby spinach: Adds a pop of green and delicate flavor while boosting the nutrition factor.
• Crushed red pepper (optional): For those who like a little kick.
• Fresh basil (for garnish): A few leaves on top make it smell and look like absolute sunshine.

Variations

One of my favorite things about One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo is how easy it is to tailor! Don’t be afraid to mix it up based on what’s in the fridge or your family’s tastes—there’s room to play and make it your own.

• Swap the sausage: Use spicy Italian chicken sausage or even turkey sausage for a different flavor kick.
• Change up the veggies: Add in mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and color.
• Dairy-free option: Stick with coconut milk and skip parmesan, or use your favorite non-dairy cheese.
• Gluten-free twist: Substitute with gluten-free orzo or a similar small gluten-free pasta.
• More greens: Stir in kale, arugula, or even frozen peas along with (or instead of) the spinach.

How to Make One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the olive oil to a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently. Let everything sweat together for about 5 minutes until the onion is tender and aromatic, making sure not to let the garlic burn—this is the flavor foundation of our One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Scatter those sausage pieces into the pan and let them sizzle for another 5-6 minutes. The goal is to get a little golden color on the sausage—this adds both texture and incredible savory flavor, making the most of those delicious browned bits in the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the dry orzo straight into the skillet and stir constantly for about a minute. This quick toast helps unlock nutty notes in the pasta and slightly firms up the texture (goodbye, mushiness!).

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the chicken broth, coconut milk (or cream), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Let it all simmer for 10-12 minutes, giving it the occasional stir so the orzo doesn’t stick. The magic happens here—the orzo plumps up, the sauce thickens, and all those savory flavors meld into one dreamy pan.

Step 5: Finish with Greens and Cheese

Lift the lid, add your heap of baby spinach and the freshly grated parmesan. Stir until the spinach just wilts and the cheese melts right into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Just like that, your One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo is ready to serve!

How to Serve One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo

Garnishes

Freshly grated parmesan and torn basil leaves are musts—they make the flavors brighter and the whole skillet look beautiful. For a little zip, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top just before serving. A drizzle of good olive oil or a crack of black pepper also takes things up a notch.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but if you want a little something extra, try a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, some garlic bread, or a side of roasted veggies. Anything with fresh, bright flavors will balance the creamy, savory orzo.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo straight from the skillet at the table for a cozy, rustic vibe—or portion it into wide shallow bowls and top with extra herbs for a restaurant-worthy look. To impress guests, you can even mound it atop grilled vegetables or stuff into roasted bell peppers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers keep beautifully—simply transfer the cooled One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll be tasty for up to four days, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

While orzo-based dishes can sometimes get a little softer in the freezer, you absolutely can freeze this recipe. Let it cool fully, store in a freezer-safe container (leave room for expansion), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, scoop into a skillet with a splash of broth or water and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can microwave it as well, in short bursts, stirring between each to keep things creamy. If you want to revive the freshness, stir in a handful of baby spinach and a dusting of parmesan just before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a one-skillet wonder to liven up your dinner routine, give this One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo a try! The humble ingredients come together in such a special, satisfying way—you might just find yourself making it weekly. Let me know how you love to customize yours, and happy cooking!

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