Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and cozy one-pan dinner? This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is everything you love about comfort food—rich, savory, a little spicy, and incredibly satisfying. Featuring spicy Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a luscious sauce made with coconut milk (or cream), this skillet meal comes together in just about 30 minutes and hits every crave-worthy note.

The real star of this dish is the orzo—a tiny pasta that acts like a sponge for all the bold, garlicky, herby flavors. The creamy sauce pulls everything together while the spinach adds a pop of freshness and color. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping for the week, this recipe is easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough to keep on repeat. Bonus: It all happens in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.

If you’re into dishes that are equal parts comforting and elevated, you’re going to love this creamy orzo creation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Skillet Wonder

Everything cooks in one pan, making both cooking and cleanup simple and efficient.

2. Creamy and Comforting

Thanks to coconut milk or cream and parmesan, the sauce is velvety, rich, and ultra-satisfying.

3. Protein-Packed

The chicken sausage adds hearty protein and bold flavor with a spicy kick.

4. Quick and Easy

Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

5. Customizable

Switch up the sausage, add different greens, or adjust the spice level—it’s super flexible.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Spicy Italian chicken sausage (sliced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Dry orzo pasta
• 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

• Milder Option: Use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy if you prefer a milder flavor.
• More Veggies: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Dairy-Free: Stick with coconut milk and skip the parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in cream cheese or a bit more coconut milk for an even silkier sauce.
• Grain-Free Swap: Try using cauliflower rice or small pasta alternatives like quinoa for a twist.

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 until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the dry orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes to bring out its nutty flavor.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Sausage

Add the spinach and cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan or herbs if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Toast the Orzo: Don’t skip this—it deepens the flavor of the dish.
• Stir Often: Orzo can stick to the pan easily, so give it an occasional stir while simmering.
• Use Pre-Cooked Sausage: Speeds up the cooking process and makes the recipe even faster.
• Adjust Consistency: Add a splash of broth or cream at the end if the orzo thickens too much.
• Grate Your Own Parmesan: It melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded versions.

How to Serve

This skillet meal is a complete dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a heartier spread. For a light lunch, serve smaller portions with roasted vegetables or a citrusy slaw. You can also top it with a fried or poached egg for a cozy brunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid, so it may thicken slightly.

Freezing

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added broth or cream to restore the texture.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of liquid to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of sausage?

Yes! Sweet Italian, chicken apple, or even plant-based sausage works well in this recipe.

2. Can I substitute the orzo?

You can use other small pastas like couscous or even rice, but cooking times and liquid amounts will vary.

3. Is coconut milk overpowering?

Not at all. It adds creaminess without making the dish taste like coconut. Use cream if you prefer a more neutral flavor.

4. What’s the best way to make this less spicy?

Use a mild sausage and skip the red pepper flakes. You can always add spice at the end to individual servings.

5. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes—chop your garlic, slice the sausage, and measure out ingredients to cut down on prep time during the week.

6. How do I avoid mushy orzo?

Keep an eye on it and don’t overcook. Start checking it around the 10-minute mark.

7. What’s the purpose of the soy sauce?

It adds umami depth and saltiness to the dish. You can substitute tamari or coconut aminos if needed.

8. Can I use milk instead of cream?

Whole milk can be used, but it won’t be as rich. Consider adding a bit of butter or cream cheese to thicken.

9. Does the spinach need to be cooked separately?

Nope! Just stir it in at the end—it wilts quickly in the hot orzo.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use a large skillet or Dutch oven to handle the extra volume.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a weeknight hero: creamy, comforting, full of flavor, and ready in a flash. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, yet it’s packed with protein and greens to keep things balanced. With its one-skillet simplicity and endless variation potential, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. One bite, and you’ll be hooked on its creamy, spicy, garlicky goodness.

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