Name: The Best Creamy Chicken Sausage ORZO Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb 450g chicken sausage, sliced into rounds; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option); ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 2 cups fresh spinach; 3 cloves garlic (minced); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this recipe truly special is the blend of textures and flavors — the juicy, golden-brown chicken sausage contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy orzo pasta. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach adds freshness and complexity, while the creamy sauce ties everything together into a luscious, comforting dish. Plus, it all cooks in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash and less time spent in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken sausage (sliced into rounds)
Orzo pasta (a small, rice-shaped pasta)
Heavy cream or half-and-half (for the creamy sauce)
Chicken broth (for cooking the orzo and adding flavor)
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, add a tangy sweetness)
Fresh spinach (adds color and nutrients)
Garlic (minced, for aroma and flavor)
Parmesan cheese (grated, for richness)
Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (to taste)

The Best Creamy Chicken Sausage ORZO Skillet Recipe: A Delicious, Easy, and Comforting One-Pan Meal

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Chicken Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics and Orzo:
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then add the orzo pasta and toast it lightly for 2–3 minutes.
Add Liquids and Cook Orzo:
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook the orzo until tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 10 minutes).
Make it Creamy:
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add Vegetables and Sausage:
Toss in sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and the cooked chicken sausage. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
Season and Serve:
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to your liking. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

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Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Sausage ORZO Skillet

Choose quality chicken sausage with bold flavors (like spicy or herb-infused) to boost the dish.
Don’t overcook the orzo; it should be tender but not mushy.

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Use fresh spinach to add vibrant color and nutrition.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a fresh zing that balances the richness.
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt (added off the heat to avoid curdling).

Why Orzo Works So Well Here

Orzo is a versatile pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up sauces beautifully, making it perfect for skillet meals. Unlike larger pastas, its small size means it blends seamlessly with the sausage and vegetables, creating a cohesive dish where every bite is flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or use quinoa for a similar texture.
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely. Italian sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage all work well.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
About 30 minutes total — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy texture and mild flavors usually appeal to kids, but you can adjust the spice level of the sausage.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is possible but might affect the texture of the creamy sauce. Reheat gently and stir well.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini are great additions.
How do I make the dish less creamy?
Reduce the amount of cream or substitute with broth for a lighter version.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream alternatives and omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese.
What kind of chicken sausage is best?
Look for flavorful, pre-cooked chicken sausage for ease, or make your own if you prefer.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I add herbs?
Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme work well to freshen up the flavor.
What’s the difference between orzo and rice?
Orzo is a pasta, so it has a chewier texture and holds sauce differently than rice.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You’d need to replace chicken sausage with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Sausage ORZO Skillet recipe is a delicious, hassle-free meal perfect for busy days when you want something comforting but quick to prepare. Its creamy texture, bold flavors, and beautiful presentation make it a winner for any occasion. Plus, it’s versatile — you can customize the veggies, swap the sausage, or adjust creaminess to your preference.

Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but only about 30 minutes in your kitchen. Don’t forget to visit our website for the full recipe, detailed tips, and more tasty dinner ideas!

The Best Creamy Chicken Sausage ORZO Skillet Recipe

Indulge in this creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet, a perfect blend of tender chicken sausage, creamy cheesy orzo, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This easy one-pan recipe cooks in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Bursting with flavor and comforting textures, it’s a deliciously satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Main Course, One-Pan Meal

Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb 450g chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
1 cup orzo pasta
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter option
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
3 cloves garlic minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté garlic and toast orzo: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add orzo pasta and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add broth and cook orzo: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook orzo until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add vegetables and sausage: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and cooked sausage. Cook until spinach wilts and everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Serve warm directly from the skillet.