This One-Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make meal that comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. We combine savory chicken sausage, tender orzo, fresh spinach, and creamy feta cheese in a single skillet for a dish bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. If you’re looking for a recipe that will impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen, this is it.
We designed this dish for busy people who still crave a wholesome, satisfying meal. The magic happens in one pan, where the orzo cooks directly in a savory broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sausage and aromatics. It’s a technique that guarantees a perfectly creamy texture every time. This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a go-to for any night of the week. For another fantastic one-pan meal, check out our Sheet-Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This entire meal is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic weeknights.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less time washing dishes and more time relaxing.
- Packed with Flavor: From the savory sausage to the tangy feta and fresh herbs, every bite is a flavor explosion.
- Customizable: It’s easy to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Don’t have spinach? Try kale. No feta? A sprinkle of parmesan works wonders.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a truly spectacular dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage and aromatics.
- Chicken Sausage: Use your favorite fully-cooked variety. Spicy Italian or sun-dried tomato chicken sausage works wonderfully.
- Garlic & Shallot: The aromatic foundation that builds a deep flavor base.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They provide a sweet, tangy, and chewy element that complements the other ingredients.
- Dried Oregano: For a touch of classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and creates a creamy texture.
- Chicken Broth: The cooking liquid for the orzo. Use low-sodium to better control the saltiness.
- Fresh Spinach: Wilts down beautifully, adding nutrients and color.
- Feta Cheese: For a creamy, tangy finish.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up all the flavors right before serving.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot to the same skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Toast the Orzo
Add the uncooked orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the orzo is lightly toasted. This step adds a wonderful nutty flavor to the final dish.
4. Cook the Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Finish the Dish
Stir in the cooked chicken sausage and fresh spinach. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips and Variations for the Best Chicken Sausage Orzo
- Don’t skip toasting the orzo. It adds a significant layer of nutty flavor that really elevates the dish.
- Use quality chicken sausage. Since it’s a primary flavor component, using a high-quality, flavorful sausage will make a big difference.
- Add more veggies. Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Add them with the aromatics.
- Make it extra creamy. For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. For another creamy favorite, try this Creamy White Lasagna Soup.
- Spice it up. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little bit of heat.
What to Serve with This Dish
This One-Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo is a fantastic standalone meal, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great choice. You could also serve it with a side of roasted broccoli or asparagus. For a heartier meal, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. If you love serving hearty meals to your family, you should also try our famous Marry Me Chicken Recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to a skillet over medium heat, add the leftover orzo, and stir until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to add chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Add heartier vegetables along with the garlic and shallot to give them enough time to cook.
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite brand of gluten-free orzo. Cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to check the pasta for doneness according to the package directions.
Absolutely! While we love chicken sausage, you can easily substitute it with spicy Italian pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
Yes. To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with your favorite dairy-free feta alternative. The dish will still be delicious and flavorful.
A Dutch oven or any large pot with a heavy bottom will work perfectly for this recipe. You just need a pan that is large enough to hold all the ingredients and has a lid.
Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to add chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Add heartier vegetables along with the garlic and shallot to give them enough time to cook.
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite brand of gluten-free orzo. Cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to check the pasta for doneness according to the package directions.
Absolutely! While we love chicken sausage, you can easily substitute it with spicy Italian pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
Yes. To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with your favorite dairy-free feta alternative. The dish will still be delicious and flavorful.
A Dutch oven or any large pot with a heavy bottom will work perfectly for this recipe. You just need a pan that is large enough to hold all the ingredients and has a lid.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes
We hope you love this easy One-Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo recipe! If you enjoyed it, please leave a comment and rating below. We love hearing from you! For more dinner inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
One-Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo with Spinach and Feta
This One-Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo is the ultimate 30-minute meal! Packed with savory chicken sausage, tender orzo, fresh spinach, and creamy feta, it's a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner solution with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot to the same skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the uncooked orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the orzo is lightly toasted.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the cooked chicken sausage and fresh spinach. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Toast the Orzo: Don't skip this step! Toasting the orzo in the skillet before adding liquid enhances its flavor, giving it a delicious nutty taste.
Deglaze the Pan: After sautéing the aromatics, use a little of the chicken broth to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where a ton of flavor lives.
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes off the heat after stirring in the feta. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
One-Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo with Spinach and Feta
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot to the same skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the uncooked orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the orzo is lightly toasted.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the cooked chicken sausage and fresh spinach. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Deglaze the Pan: After sautéing the aromatics, use a little of the chicken broth to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where a ton of flavor lives.
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes off the heat after stirring in the feta. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
