Comforting Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe for Chilly Nights

Cooking up a delightful chicken sausage orzo skillet can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

This one-pan marvel combines robust flavors that dance across your palate with each savory bite.

Tender chicken sausage mingles beautifully with al dente orzo, creating a comforting meal that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Herbs and spices weave through the dish, adding depth and warmth to every forkful.

The skillet preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Packed with protein and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this recipe promises to become a go-to meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s unlock the delicious potential of this simple yet impressive dinner.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Inside the Flavor: What You Need for Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Chicken Sausage: Lean, flavorful protein that adds a smoky depth and rich texture to the dish, choose pre-cooked varieties for quicker preparation.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty and salty cheese that enhances the overall creaminess and provides a tangy finish.

• Orzo: Pasta shaped like rice grains that creates a hearty and comforting base, look for high-quality Italian brands for best texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides essential moisture and builds foundational flavor, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce that binds ingredients together, select fresh cream for optimal richness.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds subtle fruity undertones, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic essence without chopping, select freshly ground for maximum flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that brings Mediterranean character, ensures balanced herbal notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for vibrant flavor.
• Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes: Add color, nutrition, and bright, fresh elements to the dish, select ripe and crisp produce.
• Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that provides aromatic, peppery finish, choose bright green leaves.

What You’ll Need to Bring Orzo Skillet to Life

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking the entire dish, allowing you to sauté sausage, toast orzo, and create a creamy sauce in one pan.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and scraping browned bits from skillet bottom.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure chicken broth and heavy cream.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken sausage and chopping spinach and tomatoes.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.

Crafting the Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet One Step at a Time

• Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet and sizzle olive oil. Drop in chicken sausage slices and cook until they turn a gorgeous golden color, flipping to ensure even browning. Scoop out the sausage and set aside.

• Cook the Orzo

In the same skillet, toast the orzo for a minute, stirring to wake up its nutty flavor. Pour chicken broth into the pan, scraping up those delicious caramelized bits. Cover and let simmer, occasionally stirring until orzo becomes tender and liquid reduces.

• Create a Luxurious Sauce

Drizzle heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Tumble in the sausage, vibrant spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Let everything mingle and soften for a couple of minutes.

• Finish with Cheese

Shower Parmesan cheese over the skillet, stirring until it melts into a silky sauce. Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

• Serve and Enjoy

Slide the skillet off the heat and scatter fresh basil on top if you’re feeling fancy. Dish out this creamy, comforting meal and savor every delicious bite.

Twists and Hacks for a Better Orzo Skillet

• Slice sausage uniformly to ensure even cooking and golden brown color for maximum flavor development.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store separately to create a lightning-fast weeknight dinner in under 20 minutes.
• Replace traditional orzo with cauliflower rice or gluten-free quinoa for a low-carb, celiac-friendly alternative that maintains the dish's creamy texture.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add extra color and flavor complexity.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a plant-based version that doesn't sacrifice richness.

How to Present Orzo Skillet Like a Star

• Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Serve this skillet directly from the pan for a rustic, homestyle presentation that invites everyone to dig in together.
• Colorful Side Pairings: Add a crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the dish.
• Wine and Dine Experience: Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the meal's Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats perfectly in the microwave.

Plan Ahead with Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

• Transfer leftover skillet to an airtight container, keeping it sealed tightly to maintain freshness. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Gently warm portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain the dish's original deliciousness.
• Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months, labeling with date and contents. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Prepare entire recipe in advance, portioning into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. Keep separate from garnishes like fresh basil, adding them just before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.

FAQs

• What makes the chicken sausage golden brown?

The key is cooking the sausage over medium heat and allowing it to develop a caramelized exterior without burning. This process takes about 5-7 minutes and creates a rich, flavorful base for the dish.

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like small shells, ditalini, or even rice-shaped acini de pepe work well in this skillet recipe. Just adjust cooking times according to the specific pasta’s package instructions.

• How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?

Constantly stirring during the initial toasting and using enough liquid helps prevent sticking. Also, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet adds extra flavor and prevents burning.

• Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the recipe?

Heavy cream creates the rich, creamy texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. The sauce might be slightly less thick, but it will still be delicious.

One Pot Veggie Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy one pot veggie mac and cheese delivers comfort and nutrition in a single skillet, blending cheesy goodness with hidden vegetable power. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, this dish offers a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) elbow macaroni
• 1 cup (236 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (118 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated

Vegetables:

• 1 cup (236 ml) broccoli florets, chopped
• ½ cup (118 ml) carrots, shredded or finely diced
• ½ cup (118 ml) zucchini, shredded (optional)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (473 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup (236 ml) milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
• 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil, for creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine macaroni, vegetable broth, and milk in a large pot, creating a liquid base for cooking the pasta and vegetables simultaneously over medium heat.
2. Add broccoli florets, diced carrots, and sliced zucchini into the pot, ensuring even distribution throughout the cooking liquid.
3. Gently stir the mixture periodically, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavorful broth while the vegetables soften and become tender.
4. Monitor the cooking process, watching for the pasta to reach an al dente consistency and most of the liquid to be absorbed, which typically takes 8-10 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low, preparing the pot for the cheese incorporation phase of the recipe.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan into the pot, creating a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
7. Add softened butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
8. Whisk the ingredients continuously, ensuring the cheese melts smoothly and creates a velvety sauce that coats the pasta and vegetables evenly.
9. Remove the pot from the heat source and allow the mac and cheese to rest for a couple of minutes, which helps the sauce thicken and develop a more cohesive texture.
10. Serve the veggie-packed mac and cheese immediately, presenting a nutritious and comforting one-pot meal that combines pasta, vegetables, and creamy cheese.

Notes

• Swap vegetable broth with water if you prefer a milder flavor profile or want to reduce sodium content.
• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising texture.
• Cut vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent bite throughout the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda, monterey jack, or nutritional yeast for unique flavor variations and added nutrition.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg