Looking for a hearty one-pan meal that’s ready in no time? Today, I’m thrilled to share this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo recipe that’s perfect for quick family dinners. This dish is a game-changer for anyone who loves easy pasta recipes but wants something a bit more satisfying. With its rich, creamy sauce and flavorful chicken sausage, it’s sure to become a weeknight dinner favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
- Packed with protein, veggies, and whole grains for a balanced meal
- Customizable with your favorite flavors and add-ins
- One-pan cooking means less cleanup!
- Creamy garlic pasta goodness without the heavy calories
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious one-pan meal:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta, depending on your sausage flavor)
- 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a Mediterranean twist)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated cheese
- Lemon zest (for brightness)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process:
Sauté the Chicken Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics & Orzo
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Simmer the Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta for a Mediterranean twist). Mix until smooth. Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine. If adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, mix them in at this step.
Finish & Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Customize with your favorite veggies or cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep ahead by slicing the sausage and chopping the onion the night before.
How to Serve
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but feel free to pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a satisfying dinner. It’s also a great option for meal prep—just portion it out and enjoy throughout the week!
Make Ahead and Storage
Prepare the entire recipe up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw when ready to eat.
Looking for more quick family dinners like this? Check out my Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice or Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for more 30-minute meal inspiration. Happy cooking!
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds, then add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo absorbs most liquid.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese. Add cooked sausage back and combine. Mix in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if using.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest. Serve warm!