Skillet-Prepared Orzo with Velvety Chicken Sausage

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is an ideal weeknight dinner brimming with savory chicken sausage, tender orzo, plenty of garlic, and vibrant spinach, all effortlessly prepared in just 20 minutes in a single pan!

You will absolutely adore this warm and comforting creamy chicken sausage orzo skillet! A simple one-pot meal prepared in only 20 minutes using pantry staples, perfect for hectic weeknights when you’re short on time. This filling dish is not only rich in lean protein but also provides a boost of potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C from the spinach. It’s quickly become a favorite for the whole family!

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Prepared all in one pot – this is a super simple one-pot dinner ready in just 20 minutes! Less clean-up, straightforward preparation, and increased convenience.
• Nutritious components – this chicken sausage orzo skillet is loaded with protein, leafy greens, and an abundance of flavor!
• Family-approved – a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy, suitable as a main course or a substantial side dish.
• Perfect for meal prepping – this orzo skillet reheats wonderfully, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeks or portioning out for lunches.

Essential Ingredients

• chicken sausage – I opted for this spicy Italian chicken sausage, but you can use any kind of Italian sausage for this dish. Ground chicken, turkey, pork, or beef are also good alternatives.
• orzo – small and rice-shaped, orzo pasta cooks quickly and absorbs all those tasty flavors! If you don’t have orzo, any small pasta or even rice can work well in this recipe.
• garlic – you can use freshly chopped cloves or jarred minced garlic.
• chicken broth – feel free to use chicken broth, vegetable stock, or any broth you have available.
• coconut milk – this gives the orzo dish extra creaminess. You can also substitute heavy cream, half-and-half, or regular milk.
• soy sauce – enhances the flavor!
• parmesan cheese – freshly grated parmesan adds to the orzo’s creaminess and flavor. Other cheese options include asiago, pecorino romano, or gruyere.
• spinach – adds nutritional value and a splash of color.
• fresh thyme – this is optional but adds depth and flavor. Freshly chopped sage, rosemary, or parsley would be great alternatives!
• seasonings – a mix of onion powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.

Steps to Make Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

1. Cook the chicken sausage. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken sausage until it is browned and thoroughly cooked, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
2. Incorporate the orzo. Add the dry orzo and toast it in the pan with the chicken sausage and garlic for about 60 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth (or stock) to deglaze the pan. Add in the coconut milk, soy sauce, seasonings, and fresh thyme, mixing everything well.
3. Cover and let it simmer. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan. It’s ready when it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Add the spinach and cheese. Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until they wilt, then mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired. Enjoy this creamy orzo skillet!

Serving Suggestions

FAQs

Can this be made dairy-free? Of course! Just use coconut milk (no heavy cream) and omit the parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative for dairy-free cooking.

What if chicken sausage isn’t available? No worries! You can use chicken breasts (sliced or whole), ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground sausage. Leaving out the protein entirely is also an option for a meatless meal.

What variations can I try? Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor along with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or green vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini.

Is orzo comparable to risotto? Orzo is a type of wheat pasta, while risotto is made with rice. Though both are cooked similarly, orzo cooks significantly quicker, making it fantastic for a quick weeknight dinner.

What pairs well with this orzo dish? I enjoy serving this alongside a side salad for additional nutrition and some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep in mind that the orzo will absorb all the sauce overnight, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh. When reheating, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water.

Additional Chicken Sausage Recipes

More One-Pan Meals

I hope you all love this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet! If you enjoy it as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!