There’s something magical about a dish that’s creamy, hearty, and ready in under 30 minutes. This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is exactly that a flavor-packed, one-pan meal with tender orzo, spicy Italian chicken sausage, and a velvety sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests, this recipe balances rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors with fresh spinach and Parmesan for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor. Everything cooks in a single skillet.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 25 minutes, making it ideal for hectic evenings.
- Creamy, Not Heavy – Coconut milk (or heavy cream) adds richness without weighing it down.
- Versatile – Swap ingredients easily (see Helpful Notes for variations).
- Crowd-Pleaser – Kids and adults alike will devour this comforting dish.
The secret? Toasting the orzo before simmering it in broth—this deepens the flavor and ensures perfectly al dente texture.
Ingredients Needed
For the Skillet
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing.
- 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced – Adds a kick; substitute with mild sausage if preferred.
For the Orzo & Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings bold flavor.
- 1 cup dry orzo – Toasts for nuttiness before cooking.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – The base for cooking the orzo.
- ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream) – Creates a luscious, creamy texture.
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce – Enhances umami depth.
Seasonings & Finishing Touches
- 1 tsp onion powder – Boosts savory notes.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes – Adjust for more or less heat.
- ½ tsp black pepper + ¼ tsp salt – Season to taste.
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme – Adds earthy aroma.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for extra richness.
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves – Wilted at the end for freshness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
- Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken sausage and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned.
- Sauté Garlic & Toast Orzo
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
- Add dry orzo, toasting for 1 minute to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Deglaze & Simmer
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits (this adds depth!).
- Add coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Spinach & Cheese
- Once orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in spinach until wilted.
- Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lemon. Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Freeze without spinach (add fresh when reheating). Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
Helpful Notes
- Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with quinoa.
- Dairy-Free? Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
- Protein Swap Try shrimp, turkey sausage, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Extra Creamy? Stir in an extra ¼ cup cream or coconut milk at the end.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is the ultimate weeknight hero—fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Did you try it? Rate the recipe below and tag us on [Instagram/Pinterest] so we can see your creation! Got a twist on it? Share your version in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, but adjust cooking time (orzo cooks faster than larger pasta shapes).
Why did my orzo turn mushy?
Overcooking or too much liquid can cause this. Stick to the recommended simmer time.
Is coconut milk noticeable in the flavor?
Not overpowering—it adds creaminess without a strong coconut taste. Heavy cream works too!
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prep up to the simmer step, then reheat and add spinach/cheese before serving.
How can I make it spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz Italian chicken sausage sliced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 cups low‑sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup full‑fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp low‑sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo and toast for about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Stir in spinach and Parmesan until cheese melts and spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.