How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo in One Pan

Hey there, fellow foodies! 👋 Are you ready for a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly evening? Today, I’m super excited to share with you my latest obsession: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo. This one-pan wonder is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Perfect for quick family dinners, this recipe checks all the boxes—flavorful, easy, and ready in no time. Plus, it’s packed with hearty ingredients that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen in the kitchen! 🧙♀️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for 30-minute meals
• Packed with protein, veggies, and creamy goodness
• One-pan cooking means less cleanup
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins
• A delicious addition to your weeknight dinner ideas

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, garlicky masterpiece. Don’t worry; it’s simpler than you think!

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s break this down into simple, foolproof steps. Are you ready?

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Those golden bits are the start of something amazing!

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics & Orzo

In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid. This is where the magic begins!

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar (or feta for a Mediterranean twist). Mix until smooth. Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine. If adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, mix them in at this step. It’s getting creamy in here! 🥛

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm! The perfect finish to a perfect dish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tricks to make this recipe even better:

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.
• Want some heat? Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Make it a meal prep sensation—store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

If you love this recipe, you’ll also adore my Garlic Shrimp Pasta, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, or my Quick Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. Your taste buds will thank you!

How to Serve

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but feel free to get creative with your sides. Here are a few ideas:

• A crisp green salad for a fresh contrast
• Garlic bread for dipping in the creamy sauce
• Roasted veggies for extra color and nutrients

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepping ahead? You can cook the chicken sausage and prep the veggies up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Leftovers? This dish reheats beautifully—just add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner!

And there you have it—your new go-to for quick family dinners, easy pasta recipes, and weeknight dinner ideas that everyone will love. Creamy, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes? Yes, please! 🍝✨

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share those delicious creations with me! 🥰