Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe

If you’re searching for a one-pan wonder bursting with flavor, look no further than this Chicken Sausage Orzo! It’s creamy, zesty, and just the right amount of cozy—plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends, this is one of those dishes you’ll want to put on repeat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of Chicken Sausage Orzo—you don’t need a mile-long list, but each ingredient truly brings its own charm. From the savory bite of sausage to the citrusy finish of lemon zest, every addition makes this orzo sing with flavor and vibrant color. Let’s see what you’ll need:

• Olive oil: Just a splash is all you need to brown the sausages and coax out maximum flavor right at the start.
• Chicken sausages (5, sliced): Go for your favorite style—herby, spicy, or smoky; they’re the protein-packed stars of the dish and add a savory richness.
• Onion (1, finely diced): This brings a subtle sweetness and helps build the flavor base.
• Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Nothing beats the punch of aromatic garlic to transform simple ingredients into something irresistible.
• Orzo pasta (2 cups): This rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the savory goodness—it’s the creamy, cozy backbone here.
• Stock (4 cups, chicken or veggie): Stock adds depth and richness as the orzo simmers; choose your favorite for a custom touch.
• Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): This is what takes it all to creamy-town—don’t skimp on the cheese!
• Salt (1 tsp, plus more to taste): Adjust at the end if you use a salty stock so you hit just the right balance.
• Fresh spinach (a big handful): Stirred in at the end, spinach adds a fresh pop of color and a little extra nutrition.
• Cream (2 tbsp): Just a touch for creamy decadence, but you can skip if you prefer a lighter finish.
• Lemon zest (from 1 lemon): The zest brightens the whole dish, lifting every flavor beautifully.
• Red pepper or chili flakes (a pinch): Optional, but highly recommended if you love a gentle kick of heat in your Chicken Sausage Orzo.

Variations

The best thing about Chicken Sausage Orzo is how easy it is to make your own! Mix things up based on what you have on hand, your mood, or to fit any special dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite twists:

• Add Extra Veggies: Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini all stir in beautifully for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free orzo or small pasta and keep everything else exactly the same.
• Try a Different Protein: Swap chicken sausage for turkey, veggie sausage, or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Spicy Upgrade: Use a spicy chicken sausage and double the red chili flakes for a real heat-seeker’s version!
• Go Dairy-Free: Omit the cream and use a plant-based parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version.

How to Make Chicken Sausage Orzo

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Set a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then lay in the sliced chicken sausages. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they’re golden brown and crisp on the edges—this builds the first layer of flavor, so go for a nice sear!

Step 2: Soften the Onion & Garlic

Once your sausages are beautifully browned, stir in your finely diced onion and garlic. Cook for another couple of minutes, just until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant—this is the secret to a mouthwatering base.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo straight into the pan. Give it a good stir so the grains are coated in all the tasty sausage drippings and aromatics. Toasting the orzo for just about a minute gives it a magical, nutty flavor that’s worth every second.

Step 4: Simmer with Stock

Pour in your chosen stock now—chicken or veggie, both work wonderfully. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let the orzo cook, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. Most of the liquid should be absorbed and the orzo should be creamy-tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Spinach & Cream

This is where it gets dreamy! Stir in the parmesan, spinach, and cream. As the cheese melts and the spinach wilts, you’ll see the dish turn luscious and creamy. Taste and adjust with extra salt here if needed.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Turn off the heat and add lemon zest plus a pinch of chili flakes. Give it one last gentle toss. Scoop the Chicken Sausage Orzo into bowls, top with an extra sprinkle of parmesan if you like, and serve piping hot. It’s at its best right out of the pan!

How to Serve Chicken Sausage Orzo

Garnishes

For a final flourish, I love showering each bowl with extra parmesan and a dusting of fresh lemon zest. A crack of black pepper and some fresh basil or parsley never hurt, either—they boost both the flavor and the visual wow-factor of your Chicken Sausage Orzo.

Side Dishes

Pair your orzo with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or some simply roasted broccoli. Warm, crusty bread on the side is always welcome to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Chicken Sausage Orzo up a notch by serving it family-style in a big, colorful bowl, or plate it individually with a spiral of lemon zest on top. For parties, you can even scoop it into little ramekins for perfect, handheld comfort food bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Chicken Sausage Orzo quickly after dinner and pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days, making for a fabulous quick lunch or dinner later in the week.

Freezing

This orzo actually freezes better than you might expect! Pack it into a freezer-safe container—just know it may thicken a bit as it thaws, so add a splash of extra stock or cream when reheating to bring it back to life.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently, either in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. If it’s thickened too much, a drizzle of chicken stock or water plus a quick stir will bring back that velvety, creamy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you have as much fun making—and devouring—this Chicken Sausage Orzo as I do! It’s the ultimate comfort food, simple enough for any night but special enough to serve to friends. Can’t wait for you to dig in and make it part of your weeknight rotation!

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