The Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe is a soul-satisfying, one-pan wonder that brings together spicy Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a luscious blend of coconut milk and Parmesan for a dish that’s as rich in flavor as it is quick to prepare. This recipe masterfully balances creamy textures with a slight kick from red pepper flakes, making it an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or cozy dinners with friends and family. With fresh spinach adding a pop of green and a healthy touch, this meal feels both indulgent and wholesome—a perfect combination you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create the most incredible dishes, and this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe is proof of that. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, turning ordinary staples into a fantastic plate of comfort food.
- Olive oil: Adds a fragrant and fruity base for cooking the sausage and garlic.
- Spicy Italian chicken sausage: Brings a bold, savory kick and juicy protein to the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses aromatic depth and warmth with every bite.
- Dry orzo pasta: Its rice-shaped shape soaks up sauce beautifully, making the dish creamy and hearty.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base without overpowering the palate.
- Coconut milk: Adds subtle creaminess with a hint of sweetness, making the sauce velvety smooth.
- Baby spinach leaves: Provide freshness, color, and an extra boost of nutrients.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish that melts perfectly into the creamy orzo.
- Soy sauce: Enhances umami depth and balances out the savory notes.
- Onion powder: Gives a gentle, sweet flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Red pepper flakes: Impart a subtle heat that awakens the senses.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild sharpness that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together in harmony.
- Fresh or dried thyme: Adds an earthy herbaceous note that rounds out the dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Garlic
First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian chicken sausage, breaking it up slightly if desired, and cook it until it is beautifully browned and cooked through—this usually takes 6 to 7 minutes. The golden color of the sausage signals that it’s perfectly caramelized, loaded with flavor. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until it becomes fragrant—about 30 seconds is perfect to avoid burning and maintain the fresh, pungent aroma.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Next, stir in the dry orzo pasta. Keep stirring and allow the orzo to toast gently for about a minute until it takes on a light golden hue. This toasting step might seem small but it builds layers of nuttiness that will shine through in the final dish. Keep your eyes on it so it doesn’t brown too much or stick to the skillet.
Step 3: Simmer in Flavorful Liquids and Seasonings
Now comes the magic moment. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the skillet bottom to release those wonderful browned bits left from the sausage and orzo. Add coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Stir everything together and bring the mixture up to a boil. Then lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and allow it to cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an occasional stir to prevent the orzo from sticking. The orzo will soak up all the flavorful liquid, resulting in a creamy, dreamy texture that beautifully contrasts with the spicy sausage.
Step 4: Stir in Fresh Spinach and Parmesan Cheese
Finally, add the baby spinach and cook just until it wilts and melds into the dish—this takes about 1 to 2 minutes. The bright green leaves add freshness and a lovely pop of color. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts into the warm orzo, wrapping every bite in a savory embrace. Give it a taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary—maybe a pinch more salt or red pepper flakes to suit your mood.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
When serving your Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil can add a fresh, herbal lift and a burst of color. A few extra shavings of Parmesan on top lend an elegant, cheesy finish that will impress friends or family around your table.
Side Dishes
For sides, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a warm, textural contrast. A crusty garlic bread or warm pita can also be great companions to soak up every last bit of sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish can shine on its own in a rustic skillet, perfect for family-style sharing, or plated neatly for a more refined dinner option. For a fun twist, serve it inside hollowed-out bell peppers or on a bed of creamy polenta to add an extra layer of sophistication and texture that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect candidate for quick lunches or easy dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
Because of the creamy coconut milk and cheese, freezing is not ideal as it might affect the texture when thawed. However, if you need to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve as much creaminess as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the orzo gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the creamy consistency. Stir frequently to ensure even heating without drying out the pasta or separating the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for absorbing the sauce and creating that creamy texture, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous can work well if you don’t have orzo on hand.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe carries a gentle heat thanks to the spicy Italian chicken sausage and red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spiciness by using mild sausage or reducing the pepper flakes according to your taste.
Can I substitute the coconut milk?
Yes, you can swap coconut milk for heavy cream or half-and-half for a more traditional creamy texture, although coconut milk adds a unique subtle sweetness that complements the sausage nicely.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this vegetarian, substitute the chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and add vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The coconut milk and Parmesan will still create a rich, satisfying dish.
How long does the cooking process take?
This recipe comes together quickly, typically in about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for a speedy but wholesome meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe is one of those meals that simply feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and so easy to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests with minimal fuss, this recipe has got your back. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how wonderfully balanced and deliciously creamy it turns out every single time!
Print
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish featuring spicy Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made with coconut milk and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with spinach and aromatics, this 25-minute meal offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 12 oz (340 g) spicy Italian chicken sausage, casing removed if preferred
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup (170 g) dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tsp (2.3 g) onion powder
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt
- 1 tsp (1 g) fresh or dried thyme
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage and Garlic: Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian chicken sausage, cooking and stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Toast the Orzo: Add dry orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir constantly and toast the orzo for approximately 60 seconds until it lightly browns, absorbing the flavors of the sausage and garlic. Be attentive to avoid burning.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in low sodium chicken broth, stirring and scraping up any browned bits to deglaze the pan. Incorporate coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Orzo: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed, resulting in a creamy texture.
- Finish with Spinach and Cheese: Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired before serving.
Notes
- Remove sausage casing if you prefer a finer texture.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking to the skillet.
- You can substitute coconut milk with heavy cream for a richer flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice for a gluten-free version.
- This dish stores well and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
