Name: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb chicken sausage (sliced into rounds); 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: red pepper flakes for a kick; Tools/Equipment:; Large skillet with lid; Wooden spoon or spatula; Sharp knife and cutting board; Measuring cups and spoons

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Some recipes just become instant family favorites, and this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is exactly that in our house. It started on one of those nights when I hadn’t planned anything for dinner, the kids were starving, and I needed something fast, comforting, and filling. I threw this together with what I had in the fridge—a pack of chicken sausage, some spinach, and orzo pasta. I didn’t expect much, but it turned out to be one of the most loved dinners I’ve ever made.

Now, it’s part of our weekly dinner rotation. The best part? It all cooks in one skillet—less mess, less stress, and more time at the table with my family. The creamy sauce hugs each bite of orzo, and the savory sausage adds just the right amount of hearty flavor. Even my picky eaters ask for seconds, and that says a lot!

This dish hits that perfect balance between comfort food and something that feels a little elevated, all without requiring a culinary degree or a ton of time. It’s cozy, creamy, and completely satisfying—and if you ask me, it’s everything a weeknight meal should be. If you’re a busy mom like me, this skillet dinner might just become your new go-to when time is tight but you still want to serve something made with love.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! While orzo gives a risotto-like creaminess, small pastas like ditalini or couscous work too—just adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.

Is it spicy?
Not at all—unless you use spicy sausage. You can easily swap in a mild or sweet Italian chicken sausage.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use unsweetened almond or oat milk with a dairy-free cream or thickener like cashew cream, and skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

What vegetables can I add?
Spinach works great, but kale, zucchini, or even peas are fantastic options. Just toss them in toward the end of cooking so they don’t get overdone.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully. Just add a splash of broth or milk before warming to loosen up the sauce.

What You Need to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb chicken sausage (sliced into rounds)

1/2 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups baby spinach

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: red pepper flakes for a kick

Tools/Equipment:

Large skillet with lid

Wooden spoon or spatula

Sharp knife and cutting board

Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.

Cook the orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it for a minute. Pour in the chicken broth, stir, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Add the sausage back in: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve hot: Spoon into bowls and serve immediately—preferably with a little extra cheese on top!

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Toast the orzo: It adds a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.

Use pre-cooked chicken sausage for faster prep.

Don’t overcook the orzo—you want it tender, not mushy.

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when you sauté the garlic and onion.

Want a veggie boost? Stir in roasted red peppers or mushrooms with the spinach.

Make it a full meal with a simple green salad and some crusty bread on the side.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was such a hit! My husband said it’s the best thing I’ve made in months—and it only took 30 minutes. Total win!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really tasty! I added mushrooms and used kale instead of spinach. Next time I might use spicy sausage for more kick.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made this after work and it saved dinner. Super creamy and comforting. The kids even asked for leftovers in their lunchboxes!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious but I had to add a little more broth because my orzo soaked it all up too fast. Will definitely make again.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Easy, fast, and so good. Feels like something you’d get at a nice restaurant, but made in one pan at home. Love it!”

Printable Recipe

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