1. Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes! While orzo works best in this dish due to its small size and creamy texture, you can swap it with couscous, small pasta shells, or even quinoa for a different twist.

2. What’s the best way to store and reheat Chicken Sausage Orzo?

To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days . When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the orzo from drying out. Warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

4. Is Chicken Sausage Orzo gluten-free?

No, traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it contains gluten. However, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo or substituting it with rice or quinoa .

5. How can I make this meal vegetarian?

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using plant-based sausage and swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth . The result will still be delicious and packed with flavor.

Chicken Sausage Orzo: 30-Min Easy One-Pan Meal for Busy Nights!

Name: Chicken Sausage Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 chicken sausages, sliced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup fresh spinach, chopped; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste

Description

This Chicken Sausage Orzo is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal, perfect for busy nights. With savory chicken sausage, tender orzo, and fresh vegetables, this dish is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy go-to dinner for any night of the week!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup orzo pasta
2 chicken sausages, sliced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups chicken broth
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup fresh spinach, chopped
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add onions and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute, enhancing its nutty flavor.
Pour in chicken broth, stir, and let simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
Mix in cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with extra cheese or fresh basil, then serve warm!

Notes

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or extra cheese before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pan Cooking
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: chicken sausage, orzo, one-pan meal, easy dinner, Mediterranean