This one pan chicken sausage and orzo meal cooks up in under 30 minutes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It’s flavorful, comforting and so easy to make!
This creamy orzo and chicken sausage dish has gone viral on social media and I can totally see why! It’s super easy to make, creamy, comforting and so flavorful — definitely worth the hype, IMO. I first saw the recipe on Instagram via Smiley and Healthy.
I’m a huge fan of one pan meals like my ground beef and squash skillet, egg roll in a bowl and one pan pesto chicken and veggies, so trying this creamy orzo dish was a no-brainer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan – No need to dirty or wash multiple pots and pans! Everything cooks together in one pan, which means minimal cleanup — always a win in my book.
- Easy to make – From start to finish this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great quick and easy weeknight dinner option.
- Creamy and comforting – The combination of orzo, creamy coconut milk and parmesan creates a super comforting dish that tastes indulgent without being too heavy.
Ingredients Needed
- Italian chicken sausage – I used organic mild Italian chicken sausage from Whole Foods, but feel free to use your favorite chicken sausage.
- dry orzo – orzo looks kind of like rice, but it’s actually pasta! It is made from wheat so steer clear if you have a gluten intolerance or allergy. I like to buy whole wheat orzo because it contains more fiber than regular, but regular orzo works perfectly for this recipe. Orzo cooks up creamy and delicious in this dish. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat!
- chicken broth – this helps cook the orzo and adds a ton of flavor. I like to use low-sodium broth so I can control the amount of salt added.
- Italian seasoning, salt and pepper – simple seasonings to bring everything together.
- coconut milk – this is where the creamy goodness comes in. You can use canned full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option or heavy cream for a richer taste.
- parmesan – freshly grated is best! It adds that perfect cheesy, savory touch to the dish.
- baby spinach – adds a pop of green and some extra nutrients.
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
Recipe Substitutions
- Chicken sausage: You can easily swap out the chicken sausage for turkey sausage or pork sausage.
- Spinach: No spinach? No problem! You can use any leafy green like kale or arugula. Just make sure to chop them up so they blend well with the orzo.
- Make it dairy-free: Make sure to use coconut milk and then swap the parmesan cheese with a dairy-free parmesan option.
- Make it vegan: I haven’t tried it, but you could use a vegan sausage instead. If you give it a try, let me know in the comments.
- Make it gluten-free: I did test this recipe with chickpea orzo and I didn’t love it, TBH. The chickpea orzo soaked up way more liquid so it was thicker and not as creamy. That said, you can totally try the chickpea orzo for yourself!
Step by Step Process
Step 1: Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot add onion and garlic.
Step 2: Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
Step 3: Add chicken sausage into the pan and sauté for another 5-6 minutes or until golden.
Step 4: Sauté for about 5-6 minutes or until golden, stirring often.
Step 5: Add orzo to the pan and toss for 1 minute to toast.
Step 6: Add the chicken broth.
Step 7: Add coconut milk, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
Step 8: Bring the orzo to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until orzo is cooked.
Step 9: Add spinach and parmesan.
Step 10: Mix well until spinach is wilted and parmesan has melted. Then you’re ready to serve!
Brittany’s Tip!
Don’t overcook the orzo! Orzo cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid a mushy texture. You want it to be tender but still have a little bite.
How to Serve
This dish is a full meal on its own, but if you want to make it more filling you could serve it with a side of crusty bread (like sourdough bread) or a side salad for some fresh veggies. I have a ton of salad recipes to choose from, but something light and fresh like this easy kale salad or spinach salad would be perfect.
How to Store Leftovers
- In the fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish reheats wonderfully, so it’s perfect for meal prep!
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. If you want to freshen up the dish, add a handful of fresh spinach and a sprinkle of parmesan before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. Try adding in some bell peppers, mushrooms, or even peas. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the sausage.
Overcooking or using too much liquid can lead to mushy orzo. Be sure to follow the cooking time and liquid measurements closely, and remember to let the orzo sit covered for a few minutes after cooking to absorb any remaining moisture.
Yes! Just use full-fat coconut milk in place of the heavy cream and skip the parmesan, or use a dairy-free parmesan substitute. It’s just as creamy and delicious without the dairy.
More One Pan Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
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Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot add onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
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Add chicken sausage into the pan and saute for another 5-6 minutes or until golden.
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Add orzo to the pan and toss for 1 minute to toast and then add the chicken broth, coconut milk, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Bring the orzo to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until orzo is cooked.
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Add spinach and parmesan. Mix well until spinach is wilted and parmesan has melted. Serve with extra parmesan cheese, fresh basil and crushed red pepper, if desired.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. If you want to freshen up the dish, add a handful of fresh spinach and a sprinkle of parmesan before serving.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
