The One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, cozy, and packed with flavor without the fuss. Imagine tender Italian chicken sausage mingling with creamy orzo, bright pops of fresh spinach, and the rich kiss of parmesan, all perfectly cooked together in one skillet. This recipe is as satisfying as it is simple, making it a fast favorite that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing a unique flavor, texture, or color that elevates the whole dish. From the savory bite of Italian sausage to the luscious creaminess of coconut milk and parmesan, every item plays a starring role.
- Olive oil: Provides a fragrant base for sautéing and adds subtle richness.
- Chopped yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Minced garlic: Offers a punch of aromatic flavor that awakens the palate.
- Mild Italian chicken sausage: The savory star ingredient, giving the recipe hearty protein and a delicious herby note.
- Dry orzo: Small pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up all the tasty broth.
- Chicken broth or chicken bone broth: Infuses the orzo with savory goodness and keeps everything moist.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds classic Italian flavor with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Sea salt and pepper: Enhances all the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- Canned full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream: Creates a creamy, luscious texture that makes every bite comforting.
- Freshly grated parmesan: Adds salty, nutty richness and helps bind the spinach into the dish.
- Baby spinach: Provides vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly sweet taste.
- Crushed red pepper (optional): For those who love a little heat to cut through the creaminess.
- Fresh basil: Offers a fragrant, fresh herbal finish when garnished on top.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic, letting them gently cook and soften for about 5 minutes. This creates a fragrant base that sets the tone for all the colors and flavors to come alongside your One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe.
Step 2: Cook Chicken Sausage
Next, add the cut chicken sausage pieces directly to the skillet. Sauté them for 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden exterior. This step not only locks in juicy flavor but also adds a lovely caramelized texture that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy orzo.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the dry orzo to the pan and toss it with the sausage and aromatics for about a minute. Toasting the orzo briefly brings out a subtle nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy, which is an important tip for anyone wanting the perfect bite every time in this One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook
Pour in the chicken broth along with the coconut milk (or heavy cream), and season everything with Italian seasoning, sea salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a steady boil, then cover the skillet and reduce to a simmer. Let the orzo cook for 10 to 12 minutes until tender and creamy, soaking up all that savory liquid.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, stir in the baby spinach and freshly grated parmesan cheese. The spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy mixture, while the parmesan melts, adding richness and a savory finish that makes this recipe straight-up irresistible.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parmesan, a few fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of crushed red pepper are all you need to take this meal from delicious to restaurant worthy. The basil adds freshness, while the crushed red pepper gives a subtle but delightful kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but it’s also fabulous alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors without overwhelming the palate, giving your meal a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. Alternatively, plate it as a bed for slices of crusty garlic bread or alongside grilled asparagus for an elegant dinner that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually develop even more during this time, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, though the texture of the spinach will change slightly. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and you can keep it for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water as needed to loosen the orzo and revive that creamy texture we all love in the One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mild Italian chicken sausage adds a nice lightness, you can swap in pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy version if you like more heat. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the sausage is cooked through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! You can replace the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. The orzo and creamy sauce keep things satisfying even without meat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Using canned full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skipping or substituting parmesan (with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast) makes this dish deliciously dairy-free.
What if I don’t have orzo? Can I use another pasta?
Orzo is ideal because it cooks quickly and melds well with the sauce, but small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even fregola can work in a pinch. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?
The recipe itself is mild, especially if you use mild sausage and skip the crushed red pepper. You can control the spiciness easily by adding or reducing crushed red pepper or opting for spicy sausage varieties.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash, you really can’t go wrong with the One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe. It’s a wonderful combination of hearty, creamy, and fresh, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup and maximum joy. Give it a try tonight, and I promise, it’ll become one of your go-to dinners before long!
Print
One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan recipe featuring Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo, and a creamy spinach Parmesan finish. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
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
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup canned full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
- 5 oz baby spinach
Garnishes
- Crushed red pepper for serving (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the pan, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Cook Chicken Sausage: Add the 1-inch chunks of mild Italian chicken sausage to the skillet. Saute for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage pieces are golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
- Toast Orzo: Add 2 cups of dry orzo to the skillet with the cooked sausage and aromatics. Toss for about 1 minute to lightly toast the orzo, which enhances its nutty flavor.
- Simmer Orzo: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth along with ½ cup canned full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream. Season with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish Dish: Stir in 5 ounces of baby spinach and ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Mix gently until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, creating a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Spoon onto plates, and if desired, sprinkle with extra parmesan, crushed red pepper for a touch of heat, and fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute mild Italian chicken sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a different protein option.
- Using chicken bone broth adds extra depth of flavor but regular chicken broth works just as well.
- For a dairy-free option, stick to canned coconut milk and omit the parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and re-heated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
