Name: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups orzo; 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups spinach; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional); 1 cup shredded cheese (Parmesan or your choice); 1/4 cup milk or cream; 1 tbsp olive oil

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Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is basically my secret weapon against hectic weeknights when I forgot to plan anything—again, oops. Ever find yourself staring at the fridge, slightly panicked, trying to make actual dinner with stuff you already have? Been there too many times. This one-pan wonder has saved my bacon (and my dignity) more than once. And honestly, it tastes like you fussed way more than you did. If you love warm, cheesy comfort food but can’t be bothered with a bunch of pots and pans… this is for you.

Table of Contents

What is Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo?

So, let me break it down. Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo isn’t fancy, but you’ll feel like you’re getting a five-star restaurant meal without the price tag (or shoes). Think of it as pasta, but bite-sized and a bit chewy. Orzo looks like fat rice grains, but it cooks fast and soaks up crazy flavor. Combine with chicken sausage—honestly, any flavor works, though I lean toward garlic or Italian—and a creamy sauce that wraps everything up in a big hug. Some spinach and tomato jump in (gotta have something green), but the whole thing is just spoonable comfort. It’s officially family-approved in this house, picky eaters and all.

Craving more one-pan dinners? Try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes — creamy, hearty, and perfect for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Real talk: the first time I made this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, I did not expect to find myself sneaking second helpings. The whole meal cooks in one pan—hallelujah for easy cleanup! The sauce gets all thick and creamy but without needing tons of cream. Just a little cheese and a splash of milk, and you’re golden. It’s super fast, like under thirty minutes if you don’t dawdle. Plus, you can use random veggies or sausage you already have. Last time I threw in some frozen peas, and no one noticed. Cross my heart, it’s just that forgiving and yummy.

If you’re into comforting pasta that comes together fast, you’ll love this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter — pure midweek magic.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Ready for zero-fuss? Here’s the rundown: slice up your chicken sausage (I just use whatever brand is on sale), get that sizzling in a decent-sized pan, then yank it out and quickly sauté onion and garlic. Throw in some orzo, toast it a sec in the pan—really brings out a nutty note, don’t rush this! Add broth and let it bubble away. The orzo plumps up, the sausage comes back, and you’ll add a handful of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes if you have ’em. Finish things off with shredded cheese and a dollop of something creamy (could be Greek yogurt, sour cream, or cream cheese—your call). Stir and it’ll all just look and taste ooey-gooey good.

For another cozy, family-approved recipe, don’t miss this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup — rich, cheesy, and made for spoonfuls.

Quick Overview

Chop up: chicken sausage, onion, a little garlic.
Brown sausage and onions in olive oil.
Mix in: orzo, then liquid, veggies, and cheese.
Let it all simmer until creamy (about 10 minutes).

Key Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

You don’t need anything fancy for this one. Orzo is the star (not just for Italian grandmas—trust me). Chicken sausage is already cooked, so you’re just building flavor. Good broth makes all the difference, though—grab low-sodium if you can. Cheese—Parmesan or, honestly, whatever hard cheese is lurking in your fridge—makes it decadent. And don’t skip a splash of milk or cream for that unbeatable texture. I toss in spinach because, well, color and vitamins, but it’s not mandatory.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s the play-by-play. First, use a big skillet—bigger than you think since the orzo expands and you want to avoid spillage (learned that the messy way). Saute the sausage slices until they get some color, then pull ’em out. Drop in diced onion and garlic, stir around until fragrant. Dump in your orzo and give it a quick stir so each piece gets shiny. Pour in chicken broth, scrape up bits from the bottom, and let it simmer. Add in sausage, cover, and check after 7-8 minutes. When the orzo’s tender (but not mush), stir in cheese and your creamy thing of choice. Taste, season up, and throw in spinach at the very end. Done.

What to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo With

So this is a full meal on its own, but I sometimes add sides just to look a bit extra when friends drop by. My go-tos:

A big bowl of mixed salad (literally grab whatever greens are left in the fridge)
Crusty bread for people who like to mop up every last bit
Roasted broccoli or asparagus (if you’re really feeling healthy—ha!)
Wine, if the kids don’t see you sneak it

Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo

Okay, here’s some honest advice. Toast the orzo, even just for a minute—makes it taste fancier, promise. Broth over water, always. Use more cheese than you think looks necessary (it always melts in). If you want spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, though I keep it mild for the kiddos. Don’t walk away from the stove because orzo goes from just right to stuck-on disaster real quick. If things look too thick, splash a bit more broth or milk in. And, if you mess up, just call it “rustic”—your secret’s safe with me.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Let’s keep it real. This stuff reheats beautifully. Pop extras into a glass container (or honestly, whatever plastic container you can find), and stash in the fridge up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth before microwaving—it brings the creaminess back to life. If you overdo it and the sauce feels too thick, stir in extra cheese (never a bad idea). Haven’t tried freezing since it always disappears around here, but I bet it’d work if you double-wrap.

FAQ

Does it work with turkey or plant sausage?

You bet. Use what you love or need to use up.

What if I don’t have orzo?

Tiny pasta like pastina or even rice works. The vibe will be a little different, but still tasty.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use veggie sausage and switch out chicken broth for veggie broth.

How spicy is this?

Not at all unless you want it that way. Just add chili flakes if you need kick.

Will picky eaters actually eat this?

Big yes, unless they categorically hate sausage or creamy things. My toddler cleaned her plate (which is basically a miracle).

Warm It Up and Dig In (My Favorite Part)

There you have it. This creamy chicken sausage orzo checks all the boxes for easy, tasty, even-impressive dinners. It uses everyday stuff but somehow feels special. No chef hat needed, I swear. If you need more tips, I sometimes peek at Serious Eats or The Kitchn when I want to riff on the idea. Just, y’know, don’t overthink it. Make it soon, scoop it into bowls, and pat yourself on the back. You deserve some creamy comfort tonight.