Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sliced through the golden-brown sausage, the aroma instantly transported me to cozy dinners filled with laughter and warmth. This Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo is not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to unfold in your kitchen. Perfectly cooked orzo blends seamlessly with rich chicken sausage and a creamy sauce, delivering a comforting one-pot dish that’s ready in under an hour. The best part? It’s highly customizable, whether you’re craving extra veggies or a dash of spice. Plus, with minimal cleanup, this family-friendly delight makes busy weeknights so much easier. Are you ready to stir up some culinary magic at home? Why is this orzo dish a winner? Simplicity, with just one pot needed, makes cleanup a breeze. Customizable, you can easily swap in your favorite veggies or protein, allowing endless variations! Flavor-packed, the combination of savory chicken sausage and creamy sauce will have your taste buds dancing. Time-efficient, it comes together in under an hour – perfect for hectic weeknights. Family-friendly, everyone will love this dish, making it a go-to for dinner gatherings. If you’re craving something a bit different, try pairing it with a crispy green salad or even a Honey Butter Chicken for a delightful combo! Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo Ingredients • Get ready to savor every bite with these key components! For the Base Olive Oil – Adds richness while sautéing the vegetables for flavor. Yellow Onion – Provides a sweet and savory foundation that caramelizes beautifully. Garlic – Boosts flavor and aroma; don’t skip this essential ingredient! For the Protein Mild Italian Chicken Sausage – The star of the dish, offering savory depth and moisture; turkey or plant-based sausage is a great alternative. For the Pasta Orzo Pasta – A quick-cooking grain pasta that enriches the dish’s texture; gluten-free orzo works perfectly here. For the Broth Chicken Broth (or Bone Broth) – Adds depth of flavor and moisture, elevating your savory chicken sausage orzo. For the Seasoning Italian Herb Mix – Enhances the flavor profile, drawing out all the delicious notes. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that amplify all the flavors. For the Creaminess Coconut Milk (or Heavy Cream) – Creates a luscious, creamy texture that ties the dish together. Parmesan Cheese – Adds creaminess and a salty bite; nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option. For the Greens Baby Spinach – A nutritional boost that adds color and freshness to your dish. Optional Ingredients Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For a spicy kick; adjust to your taste! Fresh Basil – Perfect as a garnish for an aromatic finish. With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo that will surely delight your taste buds and hearts alike! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and enhance the aromatic flavors, setting the stage for your Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo. Step 2: Cook the Chicken Sausage Add 12 ounces of sliced mild Italian chicken sausage to the skillet, stirring frequently. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, releasing savory juices. This step builds a delicious depth of flavor that forms the hearty base of your dish. Step 3: Toast the Orzo Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet, allowing it to toast for about 1 minute. This enhances the nuttiness of the pasta and adds a lovely texture. Keep stirring gently to ensure even toasting, which will create a more flavorful Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo. Step 4: Combine with Broth and Cream Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of coconut milk, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Italian herb mix, and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Stir to fully combine all ingredients. The mixture will begin to bubble slightly, which indicates it’s ready for the next step. Step 5: Simmer the Orzo Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This bubbling process dissolves the flavors beautifully into your Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo. Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach Once the orzo is tender, add 4 cups of baby spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down and its vibrant color brightens the dish. This introduces a nutritional boost and adds fresh flavor, enhancing the overall appeal of your Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo. Step 7: Blend in Cheese and Serve Finally, mix in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well blended. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes for a delightful finishing touch to your Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo. How to Store and Freeze Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh. Freezer: If you plan to freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months, but expect slight texture changes upon thawing. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a bit of chicken broth or coconut milk to restore creaminess to your Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo. Make-Ahead Tips: This dish tastes even better the next day; consider making it a day ahead for meal prep or gatherings to enhance the flavors overnight. Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo Variations Feel free to explore creative twists on this dish that will make your taste buds sing! Dairy-free: Substitute full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast for cream and cheese for a rich, non-dairy version. It keeps all that creamy goodness while remaining plant-friendly. Low-carb: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice or a legume-based pasta for a delightful low-carb option. You won’t miss the pasta as the flavors still shine through beautifully! More Veggies: Add in mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to amp up the nutrition and flavor profile. The extra veggies not only enhance visuals but also nutrition, creating a lovely medley. Spicy Option: Use spicy Italian sausage or sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a kick! This twist adds a whole new dimension to the dish, perfect for those who crave a little heat. Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta for a refreshing Mediterranean flair. These ingredients bring a briny contrast that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. If you’re looking for something to satisfy a crowd, check out a comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole or a deliciously sweet BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl for your next family gathering. Each option allows for that personal touch and helps keep the dinner table lively and vibrant! What to Serve with Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo Elevate your dinner experience by pairing this mouthwatering dish with delightful accompaniments that balance flavors and textures. Crisp Green Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with a tangy vinaigrette brightens the richness of the orzo, enhancing each bite. Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread provides a satisfying crunch, perfect for scooping up the creamy orzo sauce. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies, like zucchini and bell peppers, add color and nutritional value, complementing the savory sausage beautifully. Herbed Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa seasoned with herbs marries well with the orzo, providing a delightful contrast in texture while boosting nutrient content. For a finishing touch, consider serving a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. This crisp, citrusy white wine refreshes the palate, making each mouthful of your Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo even more enjoyable. Make Ahead Options Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade meals even on your busiest days. You can chop vegetables, slice the chicken sausage, and measure out the orzo up to 24 hours ahead; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can combine the broth, coconut milk, and spices in advance, making the final cooking process quicker. When you’re ready to cook, just heat the oil, sauté the aromatics, add the prepped ingredients, and follow the remaining steps. This way, you’ll serve up a comforting, flavorful dish that’s just as scrumptious as if made fresh! Expert Tips for Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo Use uncooked sausage: Ensures maximum flavor and moisture retention; pre-cooked sausages won’t achieve the same depth in your Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo. Watch the orzo: Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the skillet; this keeps the texture creamy and enjoyable. Adjust the creaminess: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or coconut milk to restore the creamy consistency of your Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo. Veggie variations: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes; just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed. Spice it up: For those who love heat, incorporating crushed red pepper flakes during cooking will elevate your dish’s flavor profile. Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken sausage? Absolutely! For the best flavor, look for fresh, uncooked mild Italian chicken sausage. Ensure it’s firm to the touch and has a bright color without dark spots. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey or plant-based sausages work wonderfully too. What’s the best way to store leftover Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo? After enjoying your delicious meal, allow any leftover Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo to cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep flavors fresh, ensure the container is well-sealed! Can I freeze Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo? Certainly! To freeze, let the orzo cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion, as liquids will expand when frozen. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that reheating might slightly change the texture, but it will be just as tasty! What do I do if the orzo is sticky or mushy during cooking? Very! If your orzo is sticky, it’s likely due to not stirring enough during cooking or too much moisture. To prevent this, stir occasionally while it simmers. If the orzo does turn mushy, don’t worry! You can still enjoy it; the flavor will remain rich. You might try refrigerating it for a bit to allow it to firm up slightly. Is Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo suitable for a gluten-free diet? Yes, it absolutely can be! Simply swap out regular orzo with gluten-free orzo. Additionally, be sure to check that your chicken broth and any other sauces used are labeled gluten-free, ensuring that everyone at your table can indulge without worry! Can I make Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo in advance? Definitely! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it ahead of time for meal prep or gatherings, and just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re making it for a special occasion, consider reheating with a splash of chicken broth to refresh its creamy texture right before serving! Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo: Your New Favorite One-Pot Meal No ratings yet Savory Chicken Sausage Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal that’s customizable and ready in under an hour. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 480 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness while sautéing the vegetables.1 medium Yellow Onion Provides a sweet and savory foundation.3 cloves Garlic Boosts flavor and aroma.For the Protein12 ounces Mild Italian Chicken Sausage Star of the dish, offers savory depth.For the Pasta1 cup Orzo Pasta Quick-cooking grain pasta.For the Broth3 cups Chicken Broth Adds depth of flavor.For the Seasoning1 tablespoon Italian Herb Mix Enhances the flavor profile.to taste Sea Salt Essential seasoning.to taste Black Pepper Essential seasoning.For the Creaminess1 cup Coconut Milk Creates a creamy texture.1 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds creaminess and a salty bite.For the Greens4 cups Baby Spinach Adds color and freshness.Optional Ingredientsto taste Crushed Red Pepper Flakes For a spicy kick.to taste Fresh Basil Perfect as a garnish. Equipment Large skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsHeat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.Add sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.Stir in orzo pasta and toast for about 1 minute.Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk, add Italian herb mix, and season with salt and pepper.Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes.Add baby spinach and stir until wilted.Mix in Parmesan cheese until creamy, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 22gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 890mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2.5mg NotesEnsure maximum flavor by using uncooked sausage. Stir occasionally to prevent orzo sticking. For reheating, add broth or coconut milk to regain creaminess. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
