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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo – A One-Pan Comfort Meal with Flavor and Ease

When life is busy but your taste buds demand satisfaction, it’s time for a one-pan wonder that checks all the boxes: hearty, creamy, wholesome, and packed with rich flavor. Enter: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo — a cozy, complete meal that comes together in just one skillet. This dish features tender orzo pasta simmered in savory broth, nestled with browned chicken sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, a kiss of lemon zest, and melted cheddar for a finish that's downright crave-worthy. It’s comfort food with flair — satisfying without being heavy, indulgent without being fussy. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, casual meal prep, or your new favorite cozy lunch, this one-pan creamy orzo will have you coming back for seconds. (And thirds.)
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍗 Protein
  • 12 oz chicken sausage pre-cooked, sliced into coins
🧄 Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
🍜 Grain
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
🧂 Spices & Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
🧴 Oil & Fat
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
🧀 Dairy
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • Extra cheese for topping optional
🥣 Liquid
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Zester (for the lemon)
  • Grater (for the cheese)
  • 🍳 One pan, zero stress. Minimal cleanup, maximum satisfaction.

Method
 

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced chicken sausage and sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned on both sides.
  3. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
🍗 Browning the sausage first adds flavor depth and a slight crisp.
    Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
    1. In the same skillet, add:
    2. Onion
    3. Garlic
    4. Sun-dried tomatoes
    5. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
    6. Stir in thyme, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
    🧄 The base layer of flavor builds right here—don’t rush it!
      Step 3: Toast the Orzo
      1. Add orzo to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
      2. This adds a nutty note and prevents sticking later.
      3. Step 4: Add Broth & Simmer
      4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
      5. Bring to a gentle boil.
      6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
      Step 5: Add Greens, Cream & Cheese
      1. Stir in:
      2. Spinach or kale
      3. Heavy cream
      4. Cheddar cheese
      5. Let simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes, until spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy.
      🧀 Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
        Step 6: Finish & Serve
        1. Stir in lemon zest and return sausage to the skillet.
        2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
        3. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired.
        🍋 Lemon zest lifts and brightens the richness of this dish beautifully.

          Notes

          🧊 Storage & Reheating
          Refrigerator
          Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
          Freezer
          Freeze in single portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
          Reheat
          Add a splash of cream or broth and reheat gently over the stove or microwave.
          🔁 This dish reheats beautifully — great for lunch meal prep!
          🥄 Variations
          🧆 Vegetarian Option – Skip the sausage and add white beans or mushrooms.
          🧄 Garlic Herb Orzo – Add fresh basil or oregano for an herbal twist.
          🌶️ Spicy Creamy Orzo – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
          🥦 Veggie-Loaded Version – Add chopped zucchini, peas, or roasted red peppers.
          🧀 Extra Cheesy – Stir in mozzarella or parmesan for gooey, stretchy goodness.
          ❓ 10 FAQs
          1. What kind of chicken sausage works best?
          Any pre-cooked sausage (like smoked, Italian, or spinach-feta) works great.
          2. Can I substitute orzo?
          Yes! Try small pasta like ditalini, couscous, or even rice (adjust cooking time).
          3. How do I keep it from getting too thick?
          Add more broth or cream at the end to loosen the sauce.
          4. Is this spicy?
          It has a mild kick—reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
          5. Can I use frozen spinach?
          Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
          6. Can I make it dairy-free?
          Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese, or skip both for a lighter dish.
          7. What sides go with it?
          A simple green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread work wonderfully.
          8. Can I add lemon juice instead of zest?
          Yes, but zest provides brighter, more aromatic flavor without excess liquid.
          9. Can I cook this in advance?
          Definitely. It holds up well for 2–3 days in the fridge and even tastes better next day!
          10. Will this work in a Dutch oven?
          Absolutely — a Dutch oven retains heat well and is great for even cooking.
          🏁 Conclusion
          Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight magic happen. It’s flavorful, fuss-free, and packed with hearty ingredients all made in one skillet. From cozy nights in to lunchboxes to dinner parties, this dish delivers warm comfort and gourmet flavor — fast.
          So next time you're looking for something creamy, cheesy, and loaded with feel-good vibes, remember this easy orzo skillet. It just might become your new favorite dinner.