Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet – A One-Pan Comfort Meal!

If you’re looking for a creamy, flavorful, and easy one-pan meal, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is perfect! It’s packed with tender chicken sausage, perfectly cooked orzo, fresh veggies, and a rich yet light creamy sauce—all made in just 30 minutes!

This quick and satisfying dish is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you crave a comforting homemade dinner without too much effort.

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Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

the Skillet:

• 12 oz (340g) chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

the Creamy Sauce:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnishing (Optional):

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Lemon zest or juice for brightness

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken Sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned.
3. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics & Orzo

1. In the same skillet, add onion and sauté for 2 minutes, until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add orzo pasta, stirring constantly for 1 minute to lightly toast it.

3. Cook the Orzo

1. Pour in chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.

4. Add the Vegetables & Creamy Sauce

1. Stir in cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach, letting them soften.
2. Reduce heat to low and add milk, Parmesan cheese, and Greek yogurt (or sour cream), stirring until creamy.
3. Add back the cooked chicken sausage, mixing well to coat everything in the sauce.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

• Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.
• Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cozy dish!

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Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Use pre-cooked chicken sausage – It’s flavorful and quick to cook.
Toast the orzo – Lightly toasting it adds extra depth of flavor.
Simmer gently – Avoid high heat to keep the orzo from overcooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not stirring the orzo – It can stick to the bottom if left unattended.
Adding dairy too soon – Let the skillet cool slightly before stirring in Greek yogurt or milk to prevent curdling.
Overcrowding the pan – If needed, cook sausage in batches for even browning.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with roasted asparagus or steamed green beans.
• Add a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or broth.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

• Freeze for up to 2 months, but note that dairy-based sauces may slightly separate.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian – Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms instead of chicken sausage.
• Swap the pasta – Try quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat orzo for extra fiber.
• Use different greens – Kale or arugula works well instead of spinach.

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or zucchini
• Warm dinner rolls or a crusty baguette

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, pearl couscous, or small shells work well.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of dairy-based ingredients.

What’s the best chicken sausage to use?

Opt for pre-cooked chicken sausage with flavors like garlic, Italian herbs, or apple.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a one-pan meal that’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or a cozy family meal, this dish is sure to impress!

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy and delicious meal ideas!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 450 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings).

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

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