Name: The BEST Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced; ½ cup onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta, depending on your sausage flavor); Optional Add-Ins:; 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens); ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat); For Garnishing:; Fresh parsley, chopped; Extra grated cheese; Lemon zest (for brightness)

A comforting one-pan meal that combines savory chicken sausage with creamy orzo pasta for a quick and satisfying dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The one-pan approach means minimal cleanup, while the combination of tender orzo, flavorful sausage, and creamy sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal with pantry staples. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins, making it perfect for using up vegetables in your refrigerator. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this skillet dish delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil provides the base for sautéing and adds a subtle richness to the dish. You can substitute with avocado oil or butter if preferred.

Chicken sausage delivers protein and robust flavor without the need for extensive seasoning. Pre-cooked varieties work best, but raw sausage will work if you ensure it’s fully cooked before proceeding with the recipe.

Onion creates an aromatic foundation that enhances the overall depth of flavor. Yellow onions are standard, but red or white varieties work equally well.

Garlic infuses the dish with its distinctive aroma and flavor. Fresh is preferable, but jarred minced garlic can save time in a pinch.

Orzo pasta is the star carbohydrate that absorbs flavors while cooking directly in the skillet. This rice-shaped pasta creates the perfect creamy texture when cooked in broth.

Chicken broth forms the cooking liquid for the orzo and infuses it with savory flavor. Vegetable broth makes a fine substitute if needed.

Heavy cream creates the luxurious, silky texture that makes this dish so comforting. Greek yogurt offers a tangier, lighter alternative with added protein.

Dried thyme contributes an earthy, aromatic element that complements both the sausage and creamy components.

Paprika adds a subtle warmth and appealing color to the finished dish. Smoked paprika can provide an interesting variation.

Salt and black pepper are essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors in the dish.

Shredded cheese melts into the sauce, adding richness and a slight tang. The recipe’s flexibility allows for cheddar, feta, or other cheeses that complement your sausage flavors.

Optional add-ins like spinach, kale, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes allow for personalization based on preference or what’s available in your kitchen.

Garnishes such as fresh parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest brighten the dish and add visual appeal as well as finishing flavor notes.

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook 3-5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo absorbs most liquid.
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta). Mix until smooth. Return chicken sausage to skillet and stir to combine. Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if using.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for smaller households. The entire dish comes together in just 30 minutes, with 5 minutes of preparation time and 25 minutes of cooking time. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, providing a satisfying and balanced meal when paired with a side salad or vegetable.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Use Italian-seasoned chicken sausage, substitute feta for cheddar, and add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano. Finish with lemon zest for brightness.

Spicy Southwest: Incorporate sliced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and add a can of drained black beans. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.

Fall Harvest: Add diced butternut squash when cooking the onions and incorporate sage instead of thyme. Top with toasted pecans for extra texture.

Lemon Herb: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce. Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and dill at the end.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so the dish may thicken considerably.

Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Warm gently over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave on 70% power, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the orzo may change slightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating with additional liquid as needed.

Meal Prep: Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Consider keeping garnishes separate to add fresh before eating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even Israeli couscous work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking time according to package directions, as different pastas require different cooking times.

What kind of chicken sausage works best for this recipe?

Pre-cooked chicken sausage in flavors like Italian, garlic herb, or apple is ideal. Use whatever variety you prefer or have on hand. Turkey sausage is also a good substitute.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plain dairy-free creamer. Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative that melts well, or omit it and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, though it’s best freshly made. If preparing ahead, slightly undercook the orzo, as it will continue to absorb liquid. Reheat with additional broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.

What vegetables can I add to make this a complete meal?

Besides the suggested spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, try bell peppers, zucchini, peas, broccoli florets, or asparagus. Add heartier vegetables earlier in the cooking process and more delicate ones toward the end.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! The creamy texture and mild flavors make it kid-friendly. For pickier eaters, you can omit stronger spices and incorporate vegetables they enjoy or finely dice them to blend in.

How can I increase the protein content of this dish?

Add a can of drained white beans, include more chicken sausage, or stir in shredded rotisserie chicken. Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream also adds protein.

What can I serve with this skillet meal?

A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make excellent accompaniments. For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions with a larger side of vegetables.

Can I use raw chicken instead of chicken sausage?

Yes, substitute with 1 pound of diced boneless chicken breast or thighs. Cook thoroughly before removing from the pan in step 1, and you may want to add additional seasonings.

Why is my orzo taking longer to cook than indicated?

Factors like your stove’s heat output, the thickness of your pan, and the specific brand of orzo can affect cooking time. Simply continue cooking, adding small amounts of additional broth if needed, until the orzo reaches your desired tenderness.

Conclusion

The Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort. This versatile one-pan wonder strikes the perfect balance between convenience and comfort, making it an ideal addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. The creamy, flavorful combination of tender orzo, savory sausage, and aromatic seasonings creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or use it as a template for your own creative variations, this skillet meal demonstrates that delicious, home-cooked comfort food doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or complicated techniques. Keep this recipe handy for those evenings when you want something special without the fuss.

The BEST Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet