Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Name: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry orzo; 2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream; 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach leaves

Jump to Recipe

One of the first meals I made as a new cook was a one-pan pasta dish. I didn’t have many skills, just a love of good food and a desire to keep things simple. That night, standing in my tiny kitchen, I realized something profound: with a few humble ingredients and the right technique, a beginner can make something that feels gourmet. This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet recipe is exactly that kind of dish—comforting, quick, and surprisingly impressive, even if you’re still figuring out where your garlic press is.

Perfect for hectic evenings, this recipe takes only about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s loaded with lean protein, packed with greens, and features creamy orzo that soaks up all the savory goodness. If you’re looking for an easy sheet pan dinner alternative that feels fancy but cooks fast, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is your new go-to for quick and healthy meals.

Why This Recipe is Special

What sets this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is its balance of richness and nutrition. You get the hearty comfort of a creamy pasta dish, but with lighter ingredients like chicken sausage and coconut milk. Everything comes together in one pan—less mess, more flavor. The orzo cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing every bit of the broth, coconut milk, and spices. It’s also endlessly adaptable, which makes it ideal for anyone just starting their cooking journey.

Ingredients and Preparation

Chicken Sausage: Brings bold, savory flavor with minimal effort. Opt for spicy Italian for heat or sweet sausage for a milder touch. Ground turkey or even tofu crumbles work well if you’re swapping proteins.

Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor like a sponge. Sub with couscous, small shells, or even cooked rice if needed.

Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor. Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic will do the job just fine.

Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the cooking liquid. Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian option, or use water with a bouillon cube in a pinch.

Coconut Milk: Lends creaminess without dairy. Heavy cream, half-and-half, or oat milk can be swapped depending on dietary needs.

Soy Sauce: A surprise addition that deepens the umami. Tamari or coconut aminos are gluten-free substitutes.

Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty depth and richness. Other cheeses like pecorino or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also enhance the creaminess.

Spinach: Adds nutrition and vibrant color. Kale or arugula work well too, just cook a bit longer.

Thyme (Fresh or Dried): Introduces earthy, herbal notes. Rosemary, parsley, or Italian seasoning can offer similar depth.

Seasonings (Onion Powder, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper): These pantry staples fine-tune the flavor. Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned.

Step 2
Add dry orzo directly into the skillet and stir to toast for about a minute. This step builds flavor into the pasta itself.

Step 3
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 4
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo is done when it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5
Stir in fresh spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted. Finally, add grated parmesan and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed before serving.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Orzo Sticking? Stir frequently while simmering to avoid pasta sticking to the bottom.

Too Thick? If the orzo absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
Too Spicy? Omit or reduce red pepper flakes for a milder version. You can always add spice later.
Prep Shortcut: Buy pre-sliced sausage and pre-washed baby spinach to save time.

No Skillet? A wide saucepan or Dutch oven works just as well.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to scoop up the leftover sauce. It also works well alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is proof that quick and healthy meals don’t have to be boring. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy enough for even the most hesitant home cook. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this dish hits all the right notes—fast, flavorful, and satisfying. Give it a try and let us know how it went in the comments. Did you make any fun swaps or add-ins? We’d love to hear how you made it your own!

FAQ About Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Q1: Can I make this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet dairy-free?

Yes, simply use coconut milk instead of cream and skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative like vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Q2: What can I use instead of chicken sausage?

You can substitute chicken sausage with ground chicken, turkey, tofu crumbles, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.

Q3: How do I know when the orzo is cooked properly?

Orzo is done when it’s tender but not mushy and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add broth if needed.

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