If you’re craving a comforting meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, this One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Picture tender pieces of mild Italian chicken sausage mingling with creamy orzo, all cooked in a single skillet with savory broth, garlic, and fresh spinach. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that combines hearty textures and vibrant flavors effortlessly while keeping cleanup to a minimum. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation for those busy nights when you want something satisfying and wholesome fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round pot filled with sliced cooked sausage pieces that are golden brown and mixed with small pieces of cooked onions and herbs. The sausage slices are scattered unevenly with some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. A wooden spoon with a dark brown bowl rests inside the pot on the left side. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the robust sausage for protein and flavor, to the orzo that soaks up all the savory goodness, and the fresh spinach that adds a pop of color and nutrition. You’ll see how straightforward ingredients come together brilliantly for a stunning, tasty meal.

1 Tablespoon olive oil: This is your cooking base that brings everything together with a smooth, rich flavor.
1 cup chopped yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic amps up the aroma and infuses the dish with savory warmth.
1 12 oz package mild Italian Chicken sausage (4 sausages, cut into 1” chunks): Choose a good-quality sausage for juicy, tender bites loaded with seasoning.
2 cups dry orzo: The star grain that cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious liquid.
4 cups chicken broth or bone broth: Liquid that cooks the orzo and delivers savory richness with extra protein in bone broth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds that classic Italian flavor punch.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Just enough to add a gentle background heat and balance.
½ cup canned full fat coconut milk or heavy cream: Brings a silky creaminess that makes the dish luscious and comforting.
½ cup freshly grated parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that melts into the orzo beautifully.
5 oz baby spinach: Brightens up the dish with vibrant color and subtle earthiness.
Crushed red pepper (optional): For those who like a little kick with their meal.
Fresh basil, for garnish: Adds fresh herbal brightness to the final dish.

How to Make One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook them together, stirring often, until the onion turns translucent and tender, about five minutes. This step builds the foundational flavors—the onions become sweet and mellow, while the garlic infuses a lovely fragrant base.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Now add the bite-sized chunks of chicken sausage right into the skillet with the softened aromatics. Sauté everything for about five to six minutes until the sausage pieces are browned and golden on the edges. This caramelization adds a rich depth and texture that really makes this dish shine.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Next, stir the dry orzo directly into the skillet. Toss it for a minute so the pasta gets lightly toasted and coated in all the rendered flavors from the sausage and onions. This little step enhances the nuttiness of the orzo and creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth along with the coconut milk (or heavy cream) to add that creamy touch. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, sea salt, and pepper to season the mixture beautifully. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the orzo is perfectly tender, absorbing all those luscious flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

Finally, stir in the baby spinach and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Mix well until the spinach wilts into the creamy orzo and the parmesan melts, creating a velvety, cheesy finish. This last step adds brightness and a rich, cheesy comfort that makes this recipe truly irresistible.

How to Serve One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe

The image shows a white pot filled with a cooked dish consisting of three main layers: a base layer of yellowish orzo pasta, scattered round slices of browned sausage pieces on top, and fresh dark green spinach leaves mixed evenly throughout. The orzo looks soft and coated with a light, slightly shiny sauce, while the spinach adds a fresh color contrast. The pot has two handles and a wooden spoon resting inside, adjusting some of the food. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice little spark if you like a touch of heat, while a handful of fresh basil leaves on top brings a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish. These simple garnishes elevate your meal effortlessly and look gorgeous on the plate.

Side Dishes

This recipe is so filling it works well as a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add sides, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables makes a perfect pairing. The freshness and crunch contrast wonderfully with the creamy orzo and savory sausage.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd or to make it extra special, serve this dish family-style right in the skillet to keep it warm and let everyone help themselves. You can also plate it neatly and drizzle a little extra olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it will keep up to two months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore creaminess and prevent drying out. Stir often until warmed through. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to warm evenly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage?

Absolutely! While mild Italian chicken sausage gives a nice, subtle flavor, you can swap in spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even a pork variety depending on your preference. Adjust seasoning accordingly if your sausage is particularly salty or spicy.

Is orzo gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is made from wheat and is not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn at specialty stores to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use canned full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and either omit the parmesan or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How do I know when the orzo is done?

Cook the orzo until it’s tender but still has a slight bite, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Since pasta can vary, taste a few grains near the end of cooking to make sure it’s just right.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to stir in mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes along with the spinach for extra veggies and flavor. Just add them before simmering the orzo so they cook through nicely.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe finds a happy place in your kitchen and on your table. It delivers on flavor, speed, and ease all in one skillet, making weeknight dinners something to really look forward to. Give it a try soon—you might just fall in love with how effortlessly delicious dinner can be.