Chicken Sausage & Orzo Skillet Is Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering what on earth to make for dinner that’s fast, filling, and won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes? I’ve been there more times than I can count, usually with a kid tugging on my apron. That’s why this Chicken Sausage & Orzo Skillet is my absolute hero on busy weeknights. It’s a complete, comforting meal that comes together in one pan with minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and a whole lot of heart. It’s the kind of dish that proves a great dinner doesn’t have to be complicated.

Top Reasons To Make It

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
• Seriously Quick: You can go from fridge to table in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The savory chicken sausage and tender orzo are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
• Endlessly Adaptable: It’s a fantastic base recipe that you can tweak based on what you have in your pantry.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
• 12 oz fully-cooked chicken sausage, sliced into rounds: Adds savory, protein-packed heartiness.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet, aromatic base.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of color and slight sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential, fragrant punch.
• 1 cup dried orzo pasta: The starches help create a creamy sauce.
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the orzo with flavor.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and body to the sauce.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A simple blend for classic herb flavor.
• ½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp black pepper: To season everything perfectly.
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach: Wilts in at the end for a boost of greens.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: For a salty, creamy finish.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until nicely browned. Remove the sausage to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the dry orzo and stir it around for about 30 seconds to toast it slightly. This little step adds a wonderful, nutty depth of flavor.
4. Add the browned sausage back to the skillet, along with the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir it once halfway through. The orzo should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Uncover the skillet and stir in the fresh spinach. It will wilt almost instantly from the residual heat. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately!

Chicken Sausage Cooking Tips

• Don’t skip browning the sausage! It adds so much more flavor and texture than just letting it simmer in the liquid.
• If your skillet doesn’t have a tight-fitting lid, you can use a large baking sheet to cover it. We’re all about using what you’ve got.
• Give the orzo a good stir about halfway through the cooking time to prevent any sticking on the bottom of the pan.
• Honestly, my favorite part of this recipe is the crispy, slightly charred bits of sausage. So good. Don’t be afraid to get a little color on them.
• Let the skillet sit for a couple of minutes off the heat before serving. The sauce will thicken up perfectly.

Variations & Substitutions

• Not a spinach fan? Swap it out for chopped kale or even a handful of frozen peas.
• For a creamy twist, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end.
• If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well.
• Feel like a kick? Use a spicy chicken sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
• To make it dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. It’ll still be delicious.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This Chicken Sausage & Orzo Skillet is a complete meal all on its own, it’s so, so satisfying. But if you’re looking to round out the table, a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette is my go-to. It cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully. Some crusty garlic bread is also never a bad idea for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful sauce. For a truly effortless spread, it pairs wonderfully with other easy meals like roasted broccoli or a quick fruit salad.

Storage & Reheating

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 4 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best bet. Add a small splash of broth or water to the skillet to loosen up the orzo as it warms over medium heat. You can also use the microwave; just cover the bowl and reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Small shapes like ditalini or small shells will work, but the cook time may vary slightly. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti.
• Is this recipe freezer-friendly? I don’t recommend it. Pasta dishes with a creamy or saucy component like this one can become mushy when thawed and reheated.
• What are some other healthy dinner ideas using chicken sausage? Chicken sausage is so versatile! Try it tossed with whole wheat pasta and marinara, sliced into a frittata, or added to a hearty soup or lentil stew.
• My orzo is still a little hard after 12 minutes. What should I do? No worries! Just add another ¼ cup of broth, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. All stovetops and skillets can vary a bit.