The Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is the ultimate one-pan dinner when you want something outrageously cozy, but don’t have time for a kitchen marathon. Featuring tender orzo, bold Italian chicken sausage, melty cheese, and handfuls of baby spinach, all swirled together in a rich, creamy sauce—this dish is pure comfort, made easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only One Pan: Clean-up is a breeze—everything cooks together in a single skillet, locking in flavors and saving time.
- Velvety, Creamy Texture: Orzo absorbs luscious coconut milk (or cream), creating an ultra-silky pasta that feels like a warm hug.
- Bold, Satisfying Flavors: The spicy chicken sausage, fresh aromatics, and parmesan come together for a dinner that’s anything but bland.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Perfect for weeknights or last-minute guests when you want something special, minus the effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet comes from its simple, wholesome ingredients—each one chosen for maximum flavor, richness, and ease. From savory sausage to velvety coconut milk and bright spinach, each item builds layers of taste and irresistible texture.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the sausage to glorious, crispy perfection.
- Spicy Italian chicken sausage: Packs bold flavor and adds a lovely, spicy kick; opt for pre-cooked links for extra convenience.
- Garlic: Brings those intoxicating, mouthwatering aromatics—fresh is truly best here!
- Dry orzo: Tender, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs every drop of creamy sauce while staying satisfyingly chewy.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with savory depth—using low sodium lets you control the saltiness.
- Full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream: Delivers that signature luscious, creamy finish (choose coconut milk for a subtle, nutty sweetness or heavy cream for pure richness).
- Low sodium soy sauce: Sneaks in umami and balances out the creaminess with a hint of salt.
- Onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, thyme: A blend of seasonings for warmth, gentle heat, and herby brightness.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the skillet for velvety, nutty savoriness and a bit of salty bite.
- Baby spinach leaves: Stirred in at the end for a fresh, green pop and gentle earthiness—plus bonus nutrients!
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is how effortlessly it adapts to what you have in the fridge—or your family’s favorite flavors. Here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own or tweak it for different dietary needs.
- Switch up your greens: Try arugula, kale, or chopped chard instead of spinach, adding them at the end just until wilted.
- Make it dairy-free: Use all coconut milk and skip the parmesan, or sub in a good vegan parmesan alternative for a silky, non-dairy dish.
- Experiment with sausage flavors: Smoked turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage links both work beautifully—bring your favorite flavors to the pan.
- Boost the veggies: Toss in chopped roasted red peppers, zucchini, or peas for extra color, nutrients, and texture.
- Take down the heat: Replace spicy sausage with a mild variety, and skip the red pepper flakes for kid-friendly comfort.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 to 7 minutes. The pieces should be golden brown and crisp around the edges—that browning adds irresistible savoriness to the entire dish! Once the sausage is mostly cooked through, stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds. This quick step unlocks gorgeous garlicky aroma, but keep an eye out to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Straight into the pan goes your dry orzo. Stir it around to coat it in all those meaty, garlicky juices, and let it toast for about 60 seconds. This little trick helps deepen the orzo’s flavor and gives the finished dish an extra bit of nutty warmth.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now it’s time for the magic! Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for max flavor. Then add the coconut milk (or cream), soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Stir everything thoroughly so the grains of orzo are well coated and your seasonings are evenly mixed.
Step 4: Simmer It Low and Slow
Bring the whole skillet to a gentle boil, then dial the heat down to low. Cover and let the orzo bubble away for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then to keep it from sticking. When the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, you’ll know it’s ready for the finishing touches.
Step 5: Finish With Spinach & Parmesan
Turn off the heat, then toss in your spinach and gently stir until it just wilts—watch that deep green pop! Sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, folding it through to melt into the sauce and bring everything together. Taste and add a pinch more salt or pepper if you crave it, then get ready to dig in. Your creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet is now ready for the table!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- Golden Crisp Sausage: Let your sausage sear undisturbed in the skillet for a minute or two before stirring. This creates those coveted, caramelized edges and even more flavor in every bite.
- Deglaze Like a Pro: When you add the broth, use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits stuck to the pan—those “fond” bits infuse the sauce with rich, meaty goodness!
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Keep the skillet covered and the heat low so the orzo cooks gently and soaks up all that creamy sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking, but don’t uncover too frequently or you’ll lose moisture.
- Parmesan Power: Always grate parmesan fresh! Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly, and you’ll get a silkier, dreamier texture with the real deal.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Garnishes
Add a final flourish with a big shower of extra parmesan, a few flakes of red pepper for extra kick, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. A quick turn of black pepper right before serving brings out the sausage and cheese flavors even more. Don’t be shy—a little garnish turns Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet from a weeknight meal into something a bit luxurious!
Side Dishes
This skillet masterpiece is hearty and complete on its own, but if you’d like to stretch it or add a little freshness, pair it with a crisp green salad, simple roasted broccoli, or tender steamed green beans. For bread lovers, a warm slice of sourdough or garlic bread makes the perfect companion, ideal for scooping up any creamy sauce left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family-style feasts, serve the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet straight from your prettiest cast iron pan (bonus points if you bring it bubbling right to the table). For a more elegant touch, try spooning it into individual shallow bowls, twirling the orzo with a fork, and finishing each plate with herbs and a cloud of shaved parmesan.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo will absorb even more flavor as it sits, making next-day bites just as tasty (if not better!).
Freezing
This dish actually holds up pretty well in the freezer! Cool it completely, then scoop portions into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s gotten too thick. For a quick lunch, microwaving works great—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so the orzo stays creamy.
FAQs
-
Can I use precooked sausage instead of raw?
Absolutely! Most chicken sausages sold in stores are already fully cooked—just slice and brown them in the skillet as directed. You’ll still get delicious flavor and texture.
-
Is there a non-dairy alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, full-fat canned coconut milk is the perfect swap for heavy cream in this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet. It creates a rich, silky sauce with only a mild coconut flavor. You can also use unsweetened cashew cream if you prefer.
-
My orzo absorbed all the liquid and got too thick, what should I do?
No worries—just stir in a splash or two of warm broth or milk while reheating until the orzo loosens up and the sauce is creamy again. Orzo is thirsty and can soak up extra sauce as it sits.
-
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Use a large, wide pan or Dutch oven so the orzo cooks evenly. You may need to add a minute or two to the simmering time and stir more often to ensure nothing sticks at the bottom.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soul-soothing, flavor-packed dinner that feels special but is effortless to make, the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet will become your new go-to. Give it a try—even just once!—and I guarantee you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation. Happy cooking, and may your skillet always be creamy and full of joy!
Print
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 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
- Cook the Sausage: Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken sausage until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Orzo: Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add the dry orzo and toast in the pan.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in spinach leaves until wilted, then mix in parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
