One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—rich, savory, and absolutely bursting with flavor, all with minimal mess. Juicy chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, creamy sauce, plus a pop of spinach and a sprinkle of parmesan—this is the meal your busy evenings have been waiting for!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything in One Pan: Say goodbye to a pile of dirty dishes—everything cooks together in a single skillet for easy prep and even easier cleanup.
- Creamy, Satisfying Texture: The orzo cooks right in flavorful broth, soaking up all the goodness, and is finished off with creamy coconut milk (or heavy cream) for a luscious finish.
- Family-Friendly & Packed with Flavor: Mild Italian chicken sausage brings spicy, herby notes without being overwhelming, and the touch of parmesan adds irresistible richness.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Perfect for weeknights when you want real food, real fast, with plenty to feed a hungry crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of everyday ingredients can layer so much flavor and texture in this One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo. Each one earns its spot in the pan, from the punchy aromatics right down to the bright, leafy spinach.
- Olive oil: Use it to sauté the onions and garlic, adding richness and just the right amount of silkiness to your sauce.
- Yellow onion: Gives a mellow, savory base flavor that sweetens as it cooks.
- Garlic: Four cloves might sound bold, but that deep aromatic warmth is magical here.
- Mild Italian chicken sausage: Grab a fully cooked sausage so all you need to do is brown it—Whole Foods brand works great, but any favorite will shine.
- Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta soaks up the broth, turning irresistibly tender and creamy without any fuss.
- Chicken broth (or bone broth): Provides all the savory backbone; using bone broth adds extra protein and even more flavor depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that enhances every element of the dish—no need to measure out a handful of different herbs.
- Sea salt & pepper: Simple but necessary to wake up all those savory flavors.
- Canned full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream: Either will create a luscious, delicate creaminess—coconut milk is perfect if you’re dairy-free.
- Freshly grated parmesan: Melts into the warm pasta, bringing the salty-nutty finish every great orzo deserves.
- Baby spinach: Wilts gently at the end, folding in freshness and making this a true one-bowl meal (hello, extra veggies!).
- Crushed red pepper (optional): Adds a little kick for those who love a touch of heat.
- Fresh basil (for garnish): Layer on for color and a final pop of herbaceousness!
Variations
One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo is endlessly customizable—don’t be afraid to riff with what you have, or tweak it for different tastes or dietary needs. Here are just a few ways to make it your own:
- Swap the Sausage: Try spicy Italian, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a different vibe and protein profile.
- Go Dairy-Free: Stick with canned coconut milk and leave out the parmesan (or use nutritional yeast for a savory finish).
- Add Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or zucchini with the onions for even more color and crunch.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or even short-grain rice; just keep an eye on the liquid and timing so everything cooks evenly.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and the minced garlic. Let them cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re softened, sweet, and your kitchen smells absolutely divine.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add the sliced chicken sausage directly into the pan with the onions and garlic. Give it a good toss so it browns on multiple sides, letting the edges turn golden and just a bit crispy. This should take another 5–6 minutes and really brings the sausage’s flavor to life.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo & Simmer
Pour in the dry orzo and give everything a stir, allowing the pasta to toast for about a minute. This step adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps keep the orzo’s texture just right. Next, add the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and coconut milk (or cream). Bring it all to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is perfectly tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach & Finish
Now, stir in the fresh baby spinach and grated parmesan. The residual heat will wilt the greens almost instantly and melt the cheese into creamy ribbons. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. All that’s left to do is grab a spoon for sampling—don’t be shy!
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo
- Use the Right Skillet: A deep, wide pan (12 inches or so) gives the orzo plenty of room to cook evenly and makes stirring and serving so much easier.
- Browning Is Flavor: Let the chicken sausage really get golden before moving on—those little browned bits that stick to the pan will add tons of savory depth to your orzo.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Stir every few minutes as the orzo absorbs liquid so nothing sticks, and keep the lid on to trap the steam—this is the secret to perfectly creamy, not mushy, pasta.
- Add the Spinach Last: Stir in the spinach just before serving to keep its color bright and avoid overcooking.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo
Garnishes
One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo is fabulous topped with extra parmesan or pecorino, plenty of torn fresh basil, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little heat. These finishing touches add bursts of color and flavor—don’t skip them for that irresistible “restaurant-worthy” look and taste!
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also shines with a big leafy salad (think arugula and lemon), a platter of roasted veggies, or even some warm, crusty bread to help scoop up every last bit of sauce. You don’t need much else—a simple side helps balance the rich, creamy main.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle your orzo into shallow bowls and swirl some olive oil over the top for a little shine. You can nestle in extra sausage slices or arrange roasted cherry tomatoes alongside for color. Serving it family-style out of the skillet with all the garnishes in little bowls is welcoming and lets everyone customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extras, One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo stores beautifully! Spoon leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making your next meal even cozier.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, though the texture of the orzo may soften slightly upon thawing. Simply cool the dish completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, warm the One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring back the creaminess. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between, until steaming hot.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with turkey sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even smoked sausage for a smokier flavor. Just look for pre-cooked varieties, and adjust the seasoning slightly if you’re using something spicy.
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What if I don’t have orzo?
No orzo in the pantry? Try another small pasta shape (like ditalini or small macaroni) or even arborio rice, though you may need to tweak the liquid amount and simmer time slightly to match the shape you choose.
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Can I make One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo dairy-free?
Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and skip the parmesan, or sprinkle in a little nutritional yeast for that signature “cheesy” flavor without any dairy.
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How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to stir the orzo a few times while cooking, especially during the first few minutes after adding the liquid, and keep the lid on to create even, steamy cooking. Using a deep, nonstick or stainless skillet helps a ton too!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hearty, no-fuss dinner that’s truly special, look no further than One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor—just the thing to bring everyone around your table, even on the busiest nights. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and fall in love with its one-pan magic!
Print
One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Saute, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This one-pan chicken sausage and orzo recipe is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner option that offers a perfect balance of flavors. The creamy orzo with tender chicken sausage and spinach makes for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 12 oz package mild Italian Chicken sausage (4 sausages), cut into 1” chunks
- 2 cups dry orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth or chicken bone broth
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 5 oz baby spinach
- Crushed red pepper for serving (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Cook Chicken Sausage: Add chicken sausage to the pan and saute for 5-6 minutes or until golden.
- Toast Orzo: Add orzo to the pan, toss for 1 minute to toast, then add chicken broth, coconut milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is cooked.
- Finish Dish: Add spinach and parmesan. Mix until spinach wilts and parmesan melts. Serve with extra parmesan, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream for coconut milk for a richer dish.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
