Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is your new weeknight dinner hero. Ready in just 25 minutes and made in a single pan, it’s packed with spicy chicken sausage, garlic, tender orzo, and baby spinach, all wrapped in a rich, velvety sauce. This cozy, flavor-loaded skillet meal is both satisfying and simple—perfect for busy nights when you want big taste with minimal cleanup.
Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
One Pan, Zero Hassle: Everything cooks in the same skillet.
Rich & Creamy: Coconut milk or cream adds luscious texture.
Flavor-Packed: Sausage, garlic, parmesan, and spinach hit all the notes.
Quick Cook Time: On the table in just 25 minutes.
Customizable: Swap spinach, change the sausage, or adjust spice.
Time Needed
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
1️⃣ Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes.
2️⃣ Sauté Garlic & Toast Orzo
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn. Stir in the dry orzo and toast for 1 minute.
3️⃣ Deglaze & Simmer
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then add coconut milk (or cream), soy sauce, and all seasonings including thyme. Mix well.
4️⃣ Cook the Orzo
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5️⃣ Finish with Spinach & Cheese
Stir in spinach until wilted. Add parmesan and mix until creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water.
- Make Ahead: Pre-slice sausage and prep ingredients for faster cooking.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
Calories: 480
Protein: 28g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 690mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different sausage?
Yes! Any cooked sausage—pork, turkey, or vegetarian—can be substituted.
2. Is there a dairy-free version?
Use coconut milk instead of cream and skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
3. Can I add more veggies?
Definitely—mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would be great additions.
4. What if I don’t have orzo?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous can work in a pinch.
5. How spicy is this?
It has a gentle heat from the sausage and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust to taste.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet brings comfort and convenience together in one irresistible dish. With bold flavors, rich texture, and a quick cook time, it’s a go-to for hectic nights or whenever you crave something hearty and homemade. One pan, endless flavor—what’s not to love?
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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a one-pan dinner winner—ready in 25 minutes and full of spicy sausage, tender orzo, garlic, and baby spinach in a velvety, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, coconut milk or cream, soy sauce, and all seasonings including thyme. Stir well.
- Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in spinach until wilted. Mix in parmesan until creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Notes
Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water. Pre-slice sausage for quicker prep.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
Keywords: chicken sausage orzo skillet, one pan dinner, creamy orzo, easy weeknight meal