This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal packed with bold flavors. The combination of spicy Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo, and a creamy coconut milk or heavy cream sauce creates a satisfying dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. With just the right amount of garlic, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes, every bite bursts with flavor. Baby spinach adds a touch of freshness, while Parmesan cheese gives the dish an extra layer of richness.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this skillet is a breeze to prepare, and the best part is that it all comes together in one pan. The orzo soaks up the creamy broth, while the sausage adds a savory, spicy kick. It’s the type of dish that’ll make you look forward to leftovers, as it tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving a family, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder

This recipe only requires one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze and saves you time.

2. Hearty and Satisfying

With chicken sausage, orzo, and a creamy sauce, this dish is filling and keeps you satisfied for hours.

3. Bold Flavors

The combination of spicy sausage, garlic, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s both savory and spicy.

4. Versatile

You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, or swap the chicken sausage for another protein like turkey sausage or even ground chicken.

5. Quick and Easy

Ready in just 30 minutes, this skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced

Garlic, minced
Orzo, dry
Low sodium chicken broth

Full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream
Low sodium soy sauce
Onion powder

Red pepper flakes
Black pepper
Salt

Fresh or dried thyme
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Baby spinach leaves

Variations

Use Different Sausage: Feel free to swap the spicy Italian chicken sausage for a milder sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage option if preferred.
Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, opt for coconut milk and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Add More Veggies: You can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to make the dish even more vibrant and nutrient-packed.

Spice It Up: If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Add the dry orzo to the skillet and stir for 1 minute, allowing it to toast slightly. This will give the orzo extra flavor.

Step 4: Add the Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth, coconut milk (or heavy cream), soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Add the Sausage and Spinach

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, along with the fresh thyme. Stir to combine, then add the baby spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well incorporated.

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the creamy sauce. Serve the dish immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Be careful not to overcook the orzo; it should be al dente and soak up the liquid without becoming mushy.
Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on how spicy you want the dish to be.

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a lovely fragrance, but dried thyme works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the sausage first adds depth of flavor to the dish and enhances its overall taste.

How to Serve

This dish is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For an added touch, a drizzle of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dish and complement the rich, creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the orzo skillet in a pan over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if necessary to bring the creamy sauce back to life.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth to maintain its creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm the dish on the stove over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! If you don’t have orzo, you can use another small pasta, like ditalini or couscous.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the chicken sausage for a plant-based sausage or just use more vegetables for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I use half-and-half instead of coconut milk?

Yes, half-and-half will work well in place of coconut milk or heavy cream for a creamy texture without the coconut flavor.

4. How do I avoid overcooking the orzo?

Make sure to check the orzo toward the end of the cooking time and stop cooking as soon as it’s tender but still has a slight bite to it.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas would be great additions to this dish.

6. Can I use low-fat milk instead of coconut milk?

While you can use low-fat milk, it may not give the dish the same creamy texture as coconut milk or heavy cream.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

8. Is this dish spicy?

The chicken sausage adds some heat, and the red pepper flakes can be adjusted to make it as spicy as you like.

9. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.

10. Can I use a different protein?

Sure! You can swap the sausage for chicken breast, ground turkey, or even shrimp for a different twist.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender orzo, and hearty sausage, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this skillet has you covered. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your preferences, making it a go-to recipe for years to come.