Creamy Spinach and Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is comfort in a bowl—rich, hearty, incredibly flavorful, and ready in just about 25 minutes! Imagine a dreamy blend of spicy chicken sausage, velvety orzo, and creamy parmesan, all in one pan. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fussy or complicated here—just a short list of bold, essential ingredients working together to deliver incredible taste and texture. Every element, from the garlic to the parmesan, is chosen to build creamy, savory layers in this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet.

• Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage beautifully and adds a subtle earthiness to the base of the dish.
• Spicy Italian chicken sausage: Brings big, bold flavor with a touch of heat, and the perfect meaty bite.
• Garlic: Six fresh cloves for an aromatic foundation—don’t be shy!
• Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the sauce, making your skillet irresistibly creamy.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Gives the orzo deep, savory flavor without overpowering saltiness.
• Full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess—coconut milk brings a hint of sweetness, while cream is ultra-decadent.
• Low sodium soy sauce: For a subtle umami boost and savory depth.
• Onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt: This seasoning quartet is simple but powerful, layering warmth and a kiss of heat.
• Fresh or dried thyme: A bit of thyme brings a lovely herbal aroma that brightens up the richness.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: For salty, cheesy goodness in every bite—always grate fresh for the best melt!
• Baby spinach leaves: Gently wilted in, these add freshness, nutrition, and a pop of color at the very end.

Variations

One of the best things about the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet? It’s endlessly adaptable! Don’t be afraid to play with flavors, ingredients, and textures, especially if you’re cooking for dietary needs or working with what you have on hand.

• Swap the Protein: Try turkey sausage, chicken breast, or even plant-based sausage for a different twist.
• Go Dairy-Free: Stick with coconut milk and skip the parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or peas when you add the broth for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it Extra Cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or fontina with the parmesan for a stringy, melty finish.
• Control the Spice: Adjust the red pepper flakes, or choose a mild chicken sausage to keep it family-friendly.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in your favorite large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced spicy Italian chicken sausage, letting it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop that craveable golden crust. Stir and cook until evenly browned and cooked through—about 6 to 7 minutes total. This browning step is where the base flavor starts, so let that sausage do its thing!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Toast the Orzo

Once your kitchen smells like an Italian bistro, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant (don’t let it brown!). Sprinkle in the dry orzo and toss everything together, letting the orzo toast for a full minute so it absorbs flavor and gets that signature nutty note.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up every last bit of flavor stuck to the bottom. Stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream), soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Mix well to fully blend the ingredients—this is when it starts looking and smelling decadent!

Step 4: Simmer and Wilt the Spinach

Bring the orzo mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer. Be sure to stir a few times so the orzo cooks gently and doesn’t stick. In about 10–12 minutes, the orzo will be tender and the sauce thickened to perfection. Now, pile in the baby spinach and stir until just wilted—this bright green finish adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve!

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Give it a taste and season with extra salt or pepper if you like. That’s it—your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is creamy, cheesy, and ready to devour!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Garnishes

Pile your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet high in shallow bowls, then shower with extra parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper, and maybe a sprig of thyme for a fresh herbal pop. A scattering of red pepper flakes adds color and a little visual heat for the spice lovers at the table.

Side Dishes

This dish is complete as a one-pan wonder, but it loves a leafy side salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or a platter of roasted broccoli. If you’re feeling extra, some crispy garlic bread or warm focaccia is the perfect way to swipe up every bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive weeknight dinner, serve individual portions in shallow pasta bowls and finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Or turn this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet into a cozy family-style main by serving it straight from the skillet at the table—just bring some big serving spoons and let everyone help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet store beautifully! Spoon cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days—easy breezy and just as delicious for lunch the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, though the orzo will soften a bit after thawing. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently for best results—see below.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the orzo skillet to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and creamy again. Sprinkle with fresh parmesan to revive its indulgence!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s easy, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor, the Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet might just become your new favorite. Give it a try—your tastebuds (and your family) will thank you with every cheesy, creamy bite!

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