Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe to Savor

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

This creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet delivers a mouthwatering blend of comfort and convenience.

Savory chicken sausage nestles perfectly among tender orzo pasta, creating a harmonious one-pan marvel.

Fragrant herbs and rich, velvety sauce elevate every single bite into a culinary experience.

Melted cheese adds a luxurious touch that makes this dish irresistibly smooth and satisfying.

Fresh ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that’s both elegant and approachable.

Dive into this recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a memorable dining adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 3

What To Grab For Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Chicken Sausage: Adds a smoky, savory flavor with lean protein; choose pre-cooked varieties for quick cooking and minimal prep.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, nutty finish; select freshly grated for maximum flavor and authentic texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Creates a robust flavor base; select firm, fragrant onions and fresh garlic for best taste.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Builds complex layers of warmth and depth; mix fresh spices for vibrant, zesty notes.

• Olive Oil: Ensures smooth sautéing and adds subtle richness; use extra virgin for superior flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances overall savoriness; low-sodium allows better seasoning control.
• Heavy Cream, Crushed Tomatoes: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce; choose high-quality brands for best consistency.
• Spinach: Adds nutrition and fresh color; opt for fresh leaves for crisp texture.
• Lemon: Brightens the entire dish with a tangy finish; roll before juicing to maximize juice extraction.

Supplies To Use For Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking sausage, vegetables, and combining all ingredients in one pan.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for slicing chicken sausage and chopping onions, peppers, and spinach.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife needed for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring chicken broth and cream.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for portioning out seasonings and spices.
• Grater: Required for creating fresh Parmesan cheese topping.
• Citrus Juicer (optional): Convenient for extracting lemon juice.

Step-By-Step Guide For Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Sausage Sizzle

Heat skillet and let chicken sausage dance until golden brown. Crisp edges mean maximum flavor. Remove sausage and set aside for later magic.

• Flavor Foundation

Toss onions and garlic into the same pan. Let orzo join the party, toasting gently to unlock deep, nutty notes.

• Spice Symphony

Sprinkle roasted red peppers and seasonings across the skillet. Let each ingredient whisper its unique story into the developing dish.

• Liquid Transformation

Pour chicken broth and let everything bubble softly. Orzo will absorb the liquid’s warmth, becoming tender and luxurious. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Creamy Crescendo

Introduce heavy cream, crushed tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Watch the sauce transform into a silky, vibrant embrace that coats every ingredient.

• Final Flourish

Reunite sausage with its skillet companions. Squeeze lemon for bright, zesty notes. Shower with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately, letting flavors sing.

Tips And Options For Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Perfect Sausage Sizzle Secrets: Crisp up your chicken sausage by ensuring the skillet is hot and avoiding overcrowding. A single layer creates gorgeous golden-brown edges that pack maximum flavor.
• Low-Sodium Hero: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter option that keeps sodium levels down while maintaining rich taste profiles.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make this dish completely lactose-free. These alternatives provide creamy texture without traditional dairy ingredients.
• Veggie Power Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or kale to increase nutritional value and create exciting flavor combinations. Chop them similarly to maintain consistent cooking times.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Use gluten-free orzo made from rice or quinoa to transform this recipe for those with wheat sensitivities. These alternatives maintain the delightful pasta-like texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Ways To Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and add a few fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Hearty Family Feast: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the skillet meal.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Plating: Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt, some chopped fresh parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to bring out Mediterranean vibes.
• Protein Power-Up: Add a side of garlic bread or toasted crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an extra protein boost to the meal.

How To Store Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Meal Freshness Tricks
• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store remaining skillet in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep sealed tight to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Quick Reheating Strategy
• Microwave Revival: Warm portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a small splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying.
• Smart Batch Cooking
• Freezer-Ready Prep: Portion cooled skillet into individual containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
• Ingredient Separation Tip
• Spinach Preservation: If planning to freeze, consider adding fresh spinach during final reheating instead of freezing with the entire dish. This prevents wilting and maintains vibrant green color and crisp texture.

Hearty Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rustic chicken sausage orzo skillet brings Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables with bold flavors. Simple ingredients combine in one pan, creating a satisfying meal you can enjoy quickly and easily.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 Italian chicken sausage links (fully cooked, sliced)
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups (480 mL) low-sodium chicken broth (plus more as needed)
• 1 cup (240 mL) heavy cream
• ⅓ cup crushed tomatoes (or jarred marinara sauce)
• ⅓ cup jarred roasted red peppers (chopped)
• ½ yellow onion (diced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup baby spinach (chopped)
• ½ lemon (juiced)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear Sausage: Heat skillet on medium, coat with olive oil. Arrange chicken sausage slices to caramelize, developing golden-brown edges for 5-7 minutes until richly colored and slightly crisp.
2. Develop Base: Remove sausage, retain skillet’s flavorful residue. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, creating an aromatic foundation that infuses deep, savory undertones.
3. Toast and Season: Introduce orzo, toasting until pearlescent. Incorporate roasted red peppers, paprika, Italian seasoning, and spice blend. Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors and enhance complexity.
4. Simmer Grains: Pour chicken broth over orzo mixture. Reduce heat, allowing grains to absorb liquid gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking until orzo reaches al dente texture.
5. Create Creamy Sauce: Blend heavy cream and crushed tomatoes into the skillet, transforming the dish into a luxurious, silky composition. Fold spinach into the mixture, letting leaves wilt and meld seamlessly with the creamy base.
6. Final Assembly: Return sausage to skillet, integrating all components. Brighten with a zesty lemon juice splash. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, harmonious one-pan meal ready to serve.

Notes

• Sausage Searing Technique: Brown chicken sausage thoroughly for maximum flavor depth, ensuring each slice develops a crispy caramelized exterior without burning.
• Orzo Toasting Tip: Lightly toast orzo before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones and prevent a mushy texture, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.
• Liquid Absorption Trick: Monitor orzo’s liquid ratio carefully; adjust chicken broth slightly if mixture becomes too dry during simmering to maintain creamy consistency.
• Spinach Wilting Strategy: Add spinach last and remove from heat quickly to preserve its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, maintaining fresh nutritional integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg