Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

If comfort food with a twist had a face, it would be this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo. Whether you’re juggling work emails, wrangling kiddos, or just need a break from endless dinner decisions, this skillet meal is here to save the evening (and your sanity). It’s creamy, cozy, and cooked in one pan—yes, just one. Fewer dishes = happier you.

Let’s talk creamy meets savory, with golden-browned sausage and tender orzo pasta simmered in a dreamy blend of broth, cheese, and just the right herbs. It’s the kind of meal that makes people ask for seconds…and the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

• One pan, 30 minutes—need I say more?
• Comforting, yet light enough to not put you straight into a food coma.
• Packed with protein and totally customizable (looking at you, spinach and sun-dried tomato fans).
• Kid-friendly, partner-approved, and picky-eater-proof.

If you’ve never tried cooking orzo like risotto—letting it simmer until it soaks up all the flavor—this dish will absolutely change your weeknight game.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Orzo Skillet:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced (cheddar, feta, or your fave flavor)
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter spin)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or feta

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup spinach or kale
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a little sass)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra cheese (always a good idea)
• Lemon zest (adds a pop of freshness)

How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and let it sizzle for 3-5 minutes, until lightly browned. Set aside (and try not to snack on too many slices).

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Then toss in the orzo—toast it for 1 minute, stirring so it doesn’t burn. This step adds so much flavor!

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in your chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape up any yummy bits stuck to the bottom. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.

Step 4: Time to Cream It Up

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in heavy cream (or Greek yogurt) and shredded cheese. Stir until everything melts into silky, cheesy goodness. Add your cooked sausage back in. If you’re adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, now’s the time!

Step 5: Garnish and Devour

Remove from heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley, more cheese if you’re feeling indulgent (always yes), and a little lemon zest to brighten it all up.

Serve warm and prepare for compliments.

A Quick Backstory…

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo became my weeknight lifesaver after a chaotic Tuesday when I forgot to grocery shop (oops). I threw together what I had—some orzo, a package of chicken sausage, and random fridge staples—and it turned out so good that my husband actually paused the TV to say, “Wow.” That’s a win in my book.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

• Use flavored chicken sausage like cheddar or feta for extra punch.
• Want to go low-carb? Try subbing in riced cauliflower for a fun twist (though the texture won’t be quite as creamy).
• If the mixture gets too thick while simmering, just add a splash of broth or water.
• Greek yogurt keeps it lighter but still creamy—just stir it in off the heat to avoid curdling.

FAQs About Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Conclusion

Whether you’re serving this up for a cozy family dinner or just treating yourself after a long day (because yes, you deserve it), Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is the kind of comfort food magic that checks every box.

From one busy kitchen to another—cheers to fewer dishes and more delicious bites. Let this creamy, savory skillet be your new go-to recipe for those “what’s for dinner?” nights.

🍴 Happy cooking!
With love and a big ol’ spoonful of comfort,

Explore More Creamy & Flavor-Packed Chicken Dishes

Looking for more comforting, easy meals just like this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo? You’re in for a treat! If you loved the cozy, one-pan simplicity and creamy finish of this recipe, these reader-favorites will totally hit the spot—and help keep your meal plan exciting and stress-free.

Here are a few more weeknight wonders to check out:

1. Creamy Dijon Chicken and Potatoes – If you’re into rich, savory sauces with a tangy kick, this creamy Dijon dish is basically comfort food gold.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken – Add a Mediterranean twist to your chicken night with this flavor-packed stuffed beauty. It pairs beautifully with orzo too!
3. Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice – Another skillet-style winner, this recipe brings hearty Southern vibes and serious saucy goodness.
4. Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo – Love orzo? (Clearly you do.) This bold and cheesy spin on chicken and orzo is a must-try next.

Each of these dishes offers that same delicious ease you found here—because dinner should be satisfying and simple. Go ahead, bookmark your favorites and keep the flavor train rolling!

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a rich, one-pan comfort meal perfect for busy weeknights. With juicy chicken sausage, tender orzo, and a luscious cheesy sauce, it’s an easy and satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Orzo Skillet:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced (cheddar, feta, or your favorite variety)

• ½ cup onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or feta)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup spinach or kale

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Garnishing:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra grated cheese

• Lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken Sausage
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook 3–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook Aromatics & Orzo
   In the same skillet, cook chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

3. Simmer Orzo
   Pour in chicken broth and scrape any brown bits from the bottom. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo absorbs most of the liquid.

4. Make it Creamy
   Reduce heat. Stir in heavy cream (or Greek yogurt) and shredded cheese until smooth. Return sausage to skillet. Stir in optional spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if using.

5. Finish & Serve
   Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley, extra cheese, and lemon zest. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use flavored chicken sausage (like cheddar or apple) for added depth.
Greek yogurt lightens the dish without sacrificing creaminess—just stir off heat.
Add a splash of broth if orzo thickens too much while cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Main course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg