One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe is that unicorn of the weeknight dinner playbook: ultra comforting, satisfyingly hearty, and on the table in just about 30 minutes, all with one skillet to wash at the end. Juicy chicken sausage caramelizes right alongside sweet onions and garlicky orzo, while bursts of cherry tomatoes and baby spinach bring color and freshness into every bite. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fragrant basil, this dish perfectly balances cozy flavors and lively veggies, making it a meal everyone will crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, familiar ingredients are the heart of this dish, and each earns its place in the pan by adding depth, color, or irresistible texture. From the savory sausage to tender orzo and garden-bright vegetables, every element works together for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Olive oil: Adds a golden touch to sautéing the sausage and vegetables while keeping everything velvety and luscious.
- Chicken sausage (12 oz, sliced): Fully cooked sausage is quick to brown and brings mildly smoky and savory notes; feel free to use your favorite flavor.
- Yellow onion (diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and softens beautifully as it cooks.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the whole dish with warm, aromatic flavor—fresh garlic really shines here.
- Orzo pasta (uncooked): Tiny rice-shaped pasta that absorbs all the goodness in the pan, making each spoonful ultra-creamy.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Cooks the orzo while adding savory depth without making things too salty.
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy pops of flavor that also lend vibrant color and a touch of sweetness.
- Baby spinach: Wilts quickly for a mild, nutrient-packed green; other leafy greens work too.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a flicker of heat that can be dialed up or down to taste.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked adds the best savory kick.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the other flavors, but easy to adjust if your sausage is extra salty.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Pulls everything together with a creamy, cheesy finish that’s just irresistible.
- Fresh basil (optional): Adds a burst of freshness right before serving; a little goes a long way here.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the pieces are nicely browned and starting to crisp at the edges. This quick browning is where all the flavor begins, so give the sausage plenty of room in the pan.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Stir in your diced onion and let it soften for 2 to 3 minutes, soaking up those lovely sausage drippings. When the onion has mellowed, add in minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds, until fragrant. Keep your nose alert—when you smell the garlicky aroma, you’re ready for the next step!
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Pour in the uncooked orzo and stir frequently for about 1 to 2 minutes. This toasting step is a little secret that deepens the orzo’s flavor and ensures it cooks up with a perfect, slightly nutty bite in the final dish.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Add the chicken broth, raise the heat to bring it to a gentle boil, then lower and cover your skillet. Let it all simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the orzo cooks and absorbs the liquid, the flavors will concentrate and the mixture will become deliciously creamy.
Step 5: Add Veggies and Seasoning
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften—don’t overcook, you want some brightness left in those veggies!
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan and Finish
Remove from the heat and stir through the grated Parmesan until it melts and coats the orzo with creamy goodness. Top with fresh basil if you’ve got it, and serve straight from the skillet for maximum coziness.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe with a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of torn basil leaves. If you love a little heat, sprinkle on some extra crushed red pepper flakes. A drizzle of good olive oil on top brings out the flavors even more—plus, it adds a glossy, appetizing finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal all on its own, but for a little extra, pair it with a fresh green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or crunchy garlic bread to soak up any cheesy orzo left on your plate. Roasted veggies, like asparagus or zucchini, play beautifully with the flavors if you’re looking for more variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe in shallow bowls with extra basil and a wedge of lemon on the side. Try plating individual portions and nestling a crispy Parmesan crisp on top for a restaurant-worthy touch. Or, serve family-style right from the skillet at the center of the table, letting everyone dig in and help themselves—it’s effortless and inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe will stay delicious and fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so you might love it even more the next day!
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Spoon cooled portions into individual containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just a tip: The orzo may absorb some liquid, so you might want to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a spoonful of chicken broth or water to loosen things up and restore creaminess. You can also microwave individual servings, covering them loosely to prevent drying out. Just stir occasionally for even heating, and finish with a sprinkle of new Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves if you have them.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based alternative all work deliciously well in this recipe. Just make sure the sausage is fully cooked before slicing and browning it in the skillet.
What if I don’t have orzo?
If orzo is out of reach, you could substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini, couscous, or even rice. Just keep an eye on the cooking liquid and adjust as needed, since pasta and rice absorb liquid at different rates.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default! The optional crushed red pepper flakes give it a gentle heat, but you can omit them completely or increase the amount if you’re in the mood for something spicier.
Can I make One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Simply skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. A splash of dairy-free cream or a spoonful of nutritional yeast can also lend creaminess and depth without the dairy.
How can I add more vegetables?
This recipe is flexible—swap or add in more veggies like chopped bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, or kale. Just toss them in after sautéing the onions so they have time to soften before the orzo is finished cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a meal that feels as satisfying to eat as it is easy to clean up. If you’re looking to bring warmth, flavor, and a little more joy to your dinnertime routine, I can’t recommend the One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe enough. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your most-reached-for weeknight favorites!
Print
One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With a delicious combination of chicken sausage, orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, all cooked in one skillet, this meal is both convenient and delicious.
Ingredients
For the One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces fully cooked chicken sausage (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes, spinach, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until creamy and combined.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
Notes
- Use kale or arugula instead of spinach if preferred.
- You can also substitute the chicken sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
