Name: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 chicken sausages (sliced); 1 medium onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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If you’re looking for a cozy, one-pan meal that delivers rich flavor and creamy comfort in every bite, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is it. Made with tender orzo pasta, hearty chicken sausage, and a velvety sauce, it’s the kind of recipe that tastes like it took hours to make—but comes together in under 30 minutes. The best part? It all happens in one skillet, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze.

The combination of savory chicken sausage and creamy orzo is both satisfying and well-balanced. The orzo acts like a pasta-rice hybrid, soaking up all the flavors from the sausage, broth, and seasonings. It’s finished off with a touch of cream (or cream cheese), making it indulgently smooth without being too heavy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just want to switch things up, this dish hits the sweet spot between comfort food and quick convenience.

Versatile, family-friendly, and loaded with flavor—this skillet meal will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Skillet Wonder

Everything cooks in one pan, from the sausage to the orzo to the creamy sauce. Less mess, less fuss.

2. Quick and Easy

Ready in 30 minutes or less with simple ingredients—perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends.

3. Flavor-Packed

Smoky, savory chicken sausage infuses the dish with bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.

4. Creamy but Light

Just enough cream (or cream cheese) to make it luscious, without weighing the dish down.

5. Customizable

Add in veggies, swap the sausage, or change the herbs—it’s super easy to adapt to your taste or pantry staples.

Ingredients

Chicken sausage (sliced)
Orzo pasta
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or cream cheese
Parmesan cheese
Spinach or kale (optional)
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Variations

Spicy Kick: Use spicy chicken sausage or add red pepper flakes to the mix.
Veggie Boost: Toss in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or frozen peas for extra color and nutrition.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream or cashew cream and skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
Herby Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for a fragrant twist.
Cheesy Finish: Stir in mozzarella or gouda for extra cheesy goodness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Add the Orzo

Stir in the orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden—this adds extra flavor.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream

Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream (or cream cheese) and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Return Sausage and Add Greens

Stir the browned sausage back into the skillet. If using spinach or kale, add it now and let it wilt into the dish.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Orzo: Toasting adds a nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Keep It Creamy: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of extra broth or cream before serving.
Use Pre-Cooked Sausage: Chicken sausage is often sold fully cooked—just brown it for flavor and texture.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan: It adds a salty, umami depth to the creamy sauce.
Serve Immediately: Orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so enjoy while it’s fresh and creamy.

How to Serve

Serve the creamy chicken sausage orzo with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. It’s also great with garlic bread, a slice of crusty sourdough, or even topped with a soft-boiled egg for added richness. If you’re serving for a crowd, pair it with roasted vegetables or a bright citrusy slaw to cut through the creaminess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The orzo will continue to absorb moisture, so expect a slightly thicker texture when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the dish, but the texture of the orzo may become softer after thawing. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous can work, but you may need to adjust the liquid and cook time.

2. Is chicken sausage fully cooked?

Most store-bought chicken sausage is pre-cooked, but always check the label. Just slice and brown it before adding.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely. Omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.

4. What can I use instead of cream?

Cream cheese, half-and-half, or a splash of milk and a little butter all work as substitutes.

5. Can I prep this in advance?

Yes—chop your onions, garlic, and sausage ahead of time and store in the fridge for a faster weeknight meal.

6. Does orzo need to be rinsed before cooking?

No need to rinse orzo. You want the starch to help create a creamy sauce.

7. How do I avoid overcooking the orzo?

Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. Once it’s al dente and most liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat and finish with cream.

8. What’s the best pan for this recipe?

A large non-stick or enameled skillet with a lid works great for even cooking and easy cleanup.

9. Can I add wine to the sauce?

Absolutely. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic for added depth.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your pan is large enough, and add a bit more time for the orzo to cook evenly.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that feels special without demanding much time or effort. With tender orzo, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce all in one pan, this dish is a go-to for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike. It’s warm, satisfying, and easy to customize—exactly what a one-skillet dinner should be. Try it once, and it’ll definitely earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation!