One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
If you’re looking for an irresistibly cozy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that leaves you with just one pan to clean, let me introduce you to One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo. Each forkful is a joyful mix of juicy chicken sausage, tender orzo, fresh veggies, and the creamy finish of Parmesan, all livened up with a little lemon. This dish brings together crave-worthy Mediterranean vibes with total ease, so you can have a satisfying, vibrant meal on your table in just about half an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo is how minimal yet mighty the ingredient list is. Each component brings its own punch of flavor or texture, yielding a colorful skillet that tastes like so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing, adding richness and enhancing the Mediterranean flair.
- Chicken Sausage (sliced into rounds): Choose your favorite fully cooked variety—think garlic herb or sun-dried tomato—for hearty, flavorful bites in every forkful.
- Yellow Onion (diced): Adds sweet aromatic depth that mellows as it cooks and ties all the flavors together.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, minced, brings a subtle pungency and warmth that perfumes the entire dish.
- Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta absorbs big flavor and creates a creamy, risotto-like texture in one pan.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Infuses every grain of orzo with savory goodness, while keeping the dish balanced and light.
- Cherry Tomatoes (halved): These burst with juicy sweetness, adding both vibrant color and a fresh pop.
- Baby Spinach: Wilts down to tender ribbons, enhancing nutrition and adding a little earthiness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts in at the end for irresistible creaminess and salty depth.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze at the finish brightens everything and brings all the flavors into harmony.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that gives an herbaceous, fragrant undertone.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors—season to your liking!
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For that final flourish of freshness and color, making it extra dinner-party-worthy.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced chicken sausage, spreading it out in an even layer so it gets a chance to brown and caramelize on the edges. This step deepens the flavor and gives you those craveable golden bits—don’t rush it! Let them sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes until beautifully browned.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. This builds the aromatic base. Add the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds; you want it fragrant but not burnt, adding a savory backbone that lifts the whole skillet.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Now, stir in the uncooked orzo. Let it toast with the sausage, onions, and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring so nothing sticks. This quick toast step gives the orzo extra nubbly texture and a richer, nuttier flavor as it absorbs the oil and aromatics.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in your chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet for maximum flavor. Raise the heat just to bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, lifting the lid to stir once or twice. The orzo will plump up, absorbing most of the savory broth until it’s tender and creamy.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Spinach
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the tomatoes soften and the spinach wilts into the orzo. The vibrant vegetables make the dish pop with color and freshness, balancing the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. The cheese melts into the orzo, making everything lusciously creamy, while lemon juice wakes up the flavors. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if you’d like an extra hit of green and a burst of herby aroma. Scoop generously and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped parsley adds both color and freshness, making your skillet look stunning in seconds. If you’re feeling extra, a little more grated Parmesan on top never hurt! For a touch of heat, sprinkle chili flakes, or drizzle a little good-quality olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it loves a simple green salad or some crusty bread to sop up every bit of saucy orzo. A side of roasted veggies or a bright cucumber-tomato salad ensures your meal is both filling and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Give One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo a restaurant-worthy touch by serving it straight from the skillet at the table, letting everyone help themselves. For individual portions, scoop it into shallow bowls and top with extra herbs and cheese. Serving for brunch? Add a poached egg on top of each bowl for an extra wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer your One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, staying tasty for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly too! Simply portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to let the orzo cool before freezing to avoid excess moisture and ice crystals—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for round two.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or extra broth to loosen things up, since orzo tends to soak up liquid as it rests. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring until heated through—or microwave individual portions for a quick reheat during busy days.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in turkey sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked, so you’re only warming and browning, not cooking it through from raw.
What if I don’t have orzo?
If orzo is out of reach, try this recipe with another small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells. The texture will be a bit different, but it’ll still soak up the flavors beautifully.
Is One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo gluten-free?
Orzo is a wheat-based pasta, so the classic recipe isn’t gluten-free by default. That said, substitute with gluten-free orzo or rice-shaped pasta if needed; just watch the cook time and add liquid if necessary.
Can I add more veggies?
Oh yes, more veggies are always welcome! Bell peppers, zucchini, or kale would be delicious additions—just toss them in when you add the tomatoes and spinach, and sauté until tender.
How can I make this even creamier?
For extra creaminess, swirl in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese along with the Parmesan at the end. It just melts in and gives your One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo the most luxurious finish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo enough for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal with zero fuss and maximum flavor. Give it a try—even if you improvise with what you have on hand, I promise you’ll find yourself craving this cozy, satisfying skillet again and again.
Print
One Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful and easy one-pan chicken sausage and orzo dish is a perfect weeknight dinner option. With a Mediterranean-inspired twist, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together quickly and effortlessly.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces chicken sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Cook sausage: Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
- Sauté onion: Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Toast orzo: Add uncooked orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Add tomatoes and spinach: Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
- Finish dish: Remove from heat, mix in Parmesan, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use any flavor of fully cooked chicken sausage—garlic herb or sun-dried tomato varieties work especially well.
- For added richness, stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
