Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a delicious, one-pan meal packed with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. With tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce, this dish is both hearty and nutritious. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Convenience: Fewer dishes, less hassle. Everything cooks in one skillet.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein and fresh veggies.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with different ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• Chicken sausage (spicy or mild)
• Orzo pasta
• Garlic (chopped or minced)
• Chicken broth
• Coconut milk (or heavy cream, half and half, or milk)
• Soy sauce
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh spinach
• Fresh thyme (optional; you can also use sage, rosemary, or parsley)
• Seasonings: salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes

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

Directions

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Make it Creamy: Pour in the coconut milk and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, add the spinach, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well mixed.
6. Season and Serve: Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 4 servings
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken sausage for ground chicken, turkey, or beef.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese and coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Extra Vegetables: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for more nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free orzo or rice instead of traditional orzo.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy. Stir until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use any variety of chicken or turkey sausage, depending on your preference.

Is orzo a type of rice?

No, orzo is a small pasta shaped like rice grains.

Can I use regular cream instead of coconut milk?

Yes, heavy cream, half and half, or whole milk can be used as substitutes.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Use a spicier sausage and add extra crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or mozzarella work well in this recipe.

What can I serve with this?

A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.

How can I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Stir occasionally while simmering and ensure there’s enough liquid in the skillet.

Can I make this a meal prep dish?

Yes, it stores well and reheats easily, making it great for meal prepping.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even cooked rice.

How can I make it more filling?

Add extra protein like grilled chicken breast or serve it with a side of bread.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With quick preparation, wholesome ingredients, and a creamy, satisfying texture, it’s a fantastic go-to meal for any occasion.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

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This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal, ready in just 20 minutes! Made with tender orzo, savory chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner. Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is both comforting and nutritious.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

• 12 oz chicken sausage (spicy or mild), sliced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream, half and half, or milk)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional; or use sage, rosemary, or parsley)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

• Cook the Sausage
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced chicken sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté Garlic
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add Orzo and Broth
  • Stir in orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 8–10 minutes).
• Make it Creamy
  • Pour in coconut milk and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Combine Everything
  • Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, add spinach, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
• Season and Serve
  • Add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Best Sausage Options: Chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage work well.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use coconut milk.
• For Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice.