Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe

Looking for a magical weeknight dinner that delivers comfort in every single bite? This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is the answer! It’s a one-pan meal bubbling with juicy chicken sausage, tender orzo, and a gloriously creamy, savory sauce—all coming together in under 30 minutes. Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together in the most satisfying way. Each component has a delicious job—bringing color, silkiness, and big, bold flavor to your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet!

• Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon gets everything sizzling and adds depth to the sausage.
• Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage: Sliced sausage brings the perfect balance of protein with a touch of heat—great for all taste buds!
• Garlic: Six whole cloves—it’s punchy and aromatic, infusing the whole skillet with classic Italian flair.
• Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks up lusciously creamy, soaking up the sauce for ultimate comfort in every bite.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and keeps everything light (using low sodium gives you better control over flavor).
• Full-Fat Canned Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream: Your choice! Both options make the sauce silky and rich without weighing it down.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: A splash brings out umami magic and rounds out the saltiness in the most delicious way.
• Onion Powder, Red Pepper Flakes, Black Pepper, Salt: This all-star seasoning team makes the flavor pop—feel free to tweak the heat and salt to your liking.
• Fresh or Dried Thyme: An earthy, herby note that lifts the whole skillet beyond basic.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that irresistible, salty, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Baby Spinach Leaves: The ultimate “it looks healthy, but tastes amazing” touch—wilts nicely at the end without losing color or nutrition.

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is how effortlessly it adapts to what you’ve got on hand or how adventurous you’re feeling. Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is ready for a remix—just tweak to fit your cravings or dietary needs!

• Mild Chicken Sausage: Not a fan of spice? Swap in sweet or roasted garlic chicken sausage for a kid-friendly version.
• Add Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped bell peppers, frozen peas, or sun-dried tomatoes with the spinach for bonus color and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free: Stick with coconut milk and skip the parmesan (try nutritional yeast instead!) for a creamy, fully dairy-free skillet.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Sub in gluten-free orzo or small pasta shapes—just check package directions for cooking times.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced chicken sausage, and let it cook until it’s deeply golden brown and cooked through—about 6 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this! Browning not only gives the sausage extra flavor but also leaves behind delicious bits that will enrich the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. You want the garlic to perfume the dish without getting burned—so keep an eye on the pan and inhale the amazing aroma!

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Pour in the dry orzo and allow it to toast in the pan with the sausage and garlic for about a minute. This brings out a nutty, rich undertone and helps the pasta stay extra flavorful as it cooks.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful golden bits stuck to the bottom. Add coconut milk or cream, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Give everything a good stir so the seasonings meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer the Orzo

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo is ready when tender and most of the liquid has become a creamy sauce that hugs every bite.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach & Add Cheese

Stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook just until wilted—this takes seconds and locks in a gorgeous green color. Sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan, stir to melt, and taste for seasoning. That’s it—your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is ready to devour!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Garnishes

This dish loves a shower of extra parmesan, a swirl of cracked black pepper, and a handful of torn fresh basil or parsley right before serving. The freshness and color make it even more inviting—so don’t be afraid to go wild with your favorite finishing touches!

Side Dishes

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a full meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple arugula salad or some crusty bread makes things extra cozy. A side of roasted broccoli or garlicky green beans never hurts, especially for a well-rounded family dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party spin, serve heaping spoonfuls in shallow pasta bowls, or finish each plate with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a lemon wedge. You can even serve this skillet right from the pan for a rustic, crowd-pleasing feel—a true comfort classic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then scoop them into a sealed container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The orzo will continue to soak up flavor, making day-two lunches even more irresistible!

Freezing

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet does freeze fairly well, though the texture is best when you use coconut milk rather than heavy cream. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months—just know the orzo will soften a little upon thawing (still delicious for meal prep!).

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed. Stir frequently and warm only until heated through to preserve that dreamy creaminess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet brings as much warmth, comfort, and happy dinnertime moments to your table as it does to mine. Give it a go the next time you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts easy, nourishing, and downright delicious—you won’t be disappointed!

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