Cozy Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe for Dinner Joy

Hey there, this hearty creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.

My kitchen experiments always lead to delightful surprises like this one-pan wonder.

Italian sausage chunks mingle beautifully with tender orzo, creating a comforting meal that feels restaurant-worthy.

Herbs and spices dance through each bite, promising a seriously satisfying dinner experience.

Rich cream sauce coats every morsel, ensuring each spoonful is packed with incredible taste.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish.

I bet you’ll want to make this recipe on repeat – trust me, it’s that good.

What Pairs Well with Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the sausage's richness and cuts through the creamy sauce with bright acidity.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the skillet's heavy flavors and add fresh, zesty contrast.
• Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and provide a satisfying textural element to the meal.
• Brew a cold mint or basil-infused iced tea that offers a cool, clean palate cleanser between bites of the rich, creamy chicken sausage orzo.

New Twists on Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet to Try

• Vegetarian Orzo Skillet: Replace chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or extra-firm tofu crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular orzo with gluten-free orzo made from rice or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use turkey sausage for a leaner protein and reduce the amount of cream for a lighter dish.
• Mediterranean-Style Adaptation: Add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano. Include diced cucumbers and red onions for a fresh Mediterranean touch.

Why Everyone’s Talking About This Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Using just one skillet means less dishwashing and more relaxing, making this recipe a go-to for people who hate spending hours cleaning up after cooking.
• Combining chicken sausage, creamy sauce, spinach, and cherry tomatoes creates a satisfying meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients, this dish works great for family dinners, casual gatherings, or quick solo meals that don't compromise on taste.

The Ingredients List for Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Chicken Sausage: Provides savory meat flavor and protein, pre-cooked varieties work best for quick meals.
• Spinach: Light green vegetable adding nutrients and color to the dish.

• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta that creates creamy texture and absorbs surrounding flavors.

• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and adds depth of flavor for cooking orzo.
• Heavy Cream: Produces rich, velvety sauce with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty finish and helps thicken sauce.

• Olive Oil: Provides cooking fat and initial flavor base.
• Garlic Powder: Offers mild, consistent garlic flavor throughout dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that enhances overall Mediterranean profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting other flavors.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds bright, fresh burst of color and slight acidity.
• Fresh Basil: Optional garnish with aromatic, herbal notes.

Quick Guide to Making the Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Drop sliced chicken sausage into the skillet.
• Cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer sausage to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Toast and Cook the Orzo

• Use the same skillet without washing.
• Pour orzo directly into the pan.
• Stir orzo continuously for about 1 minute to create a light toasted flavor.
• Pour chicken broth into the skillet.
• Scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Bring liquid to a gentle simmer.
• Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet.
• Let orzo cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Check orzo for tenderness and ensure most broth is absorbed.
• Add ingredients to create the sauce
• Heavy cream
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Fold in the previously cooked sausage.
• Add fresh ingredients
• Chopped spinach
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce becomes luscious and vegetables soften.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese

• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the skillet.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Stir until cheese melts completely.
• Ensure sauce reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

• Remove skillet from heat.
• Optional: Scatter fresh basil leaves on top.
• Serve immediately while hot and steamy.

Pro Tips for Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Perfection

• Boost Sausage Flavor: Slice chicken sausage diagonally for more caramelized edges and enhanced taste profile.
• Perfect Orzo Texture: Toast orzo briefly before adding broth to develop a nutty flavor and prevent mushiness, ensuring al dente results.
• Quick Vegetable Swap: Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutrient profiles and exciting texture variations.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free alternative that maintains rich flavors.
• Smart Meal Prep: Cook extra portions and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of broth to restore creamy consistency.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Orzo Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy consistency returns.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and flavor.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty “creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet” brings Mediterranean comfort right to kitchen tables with bold Italian-inspired flavors. Savory chicken sausage and tender orzo blend seamlessly, giving you a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 5 fully cooked Italian chicken sausage links, sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped
• ⅓ cup crushed tomatoes (or jarred marinara sauce)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, carefully searing chicken sausage slices until they develop a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
2. Transfer sausage to a separate plate, reserving the flavorful skillet for subsequent cooking stages.
3. Introduce orzo to the identical skillet, gently toasting the pasta grains by stirring continuously for roughly 60 seconds to enhance its nutty undertones.
4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, meticulously scraping accumulated caramelized remnants from the pan’s surface to infuse deeper flavor complexity.
5. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow orzo to simmer, occasionally stirring to ensure uniform cooking and preventing potential sticking, until liquid is nearly absorbed.
6. Incorporate heavy cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, creating a luxurious base for the dish’s sauce.
7. Reintroduce golden sausage pieces, then fold in fresh spinach and vibrant cherry tomatoes, allowing vegetables to gently soften.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese throughout the mixture, stirring until it melts seamlessly and transforms the sauce into a velvety consistency.
9. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
10. Garnish with delicate fresh basil leaves for a final aromatic touch, serving the skillet immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium chicken sausage for a healthier option, reducing overall salt intake while maintaining rich flavor.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to create a lighter, lower-calorie version of the dish.
• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard to add variety and different nutritional benefits to the meal.
• Toast orzo carefully to prevent burning, stirring constantly and using medium-low heat for even golden coloration.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg