Name: Italian Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz Italian chicken sausage, casings removed; ½ medium onion, chopped; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or to taste); 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy (whipping) cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 54 reviews

If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that’s both quick and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Italian Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines savory Italian chicken sausage with tender orzo pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all brightened up by fresh spinach. The best part? It comes together in just about 30 minutes and leaves you with minimal cleanup, making it a perfect weeknight dinner favorite that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large yellow pot with two side handles holds a layer of browned ground meat filling most of the pot's bottom. On top, there is a mound of finely chopped white onions, sitting in the center of the meat. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with faint grey veins. The colors are warm and natural, showing a simple cooking scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is a vital step to nailing this Italian Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe because each element adds its own special touch — from rich creaminess to vibrant green color, and a hint of spice. Here’s what brings this dish to life:

16 oz Italian chicken sausage: Removing the casing helps the sausage crumble perfectly, giving you those nice meaty bites throughout the dish.
½ medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory foundation that complements the sausage beautifully.
3–4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth and a warm, inviting flavor.
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat to awaken your taste buds without overpowering the dish.
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: Small and quick-cooking, orzo soaks up all those creamy flavors perfectly.
2 cups chicken broth: Provides a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the orzo tender and enhances the dish’s savoriness.
1 cup heavy (whipping) cream: This makes the dish luxuriously creamy and rich.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami punch and helps thicken the sauce as it melts.
2 cups packed fresh baby spinach: Brightens the dish both in color and nutrition with a gentle earthy note.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.

How to Make Italian Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onion

Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian chicken sausage, making sure to remove the casings beforehand to allow the meat to crumble easily. Cook it for about 5 minutes while breaking it up with a spoon. Toss in the chopped onion and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until the sausage is nicely browned and the onion is soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Orzo

Next, stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Toss in the orzo pasta and cook everything together for about 30 seconds. This helps toast the pasta slightly and releases the wonderful garlic aroma, building layers of flavor.

Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Simmer

Now it’s time to bring the dish together by adding chicken broth and heavy cream. Let the mixture come to a gentle bubble, then keep it simmering uncovered for about 10 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently so the orzo cooks evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom. Adjust the heat so it simmers gently rather than boiling vigorously.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Spinach

Remove the pot from the heat, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a generous handful of baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt beautifully and the orzo sauce to thicken to creamy perfection. Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

How to Serve Italian Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe

The image shows a creamy dish in a large round yellow pot placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: a thick creamy sauce as the base, mixed with soft orzo pasta pieces in a pale yellow color; scattered brown chunks of cooked sausage throughout; and bright green wilted spinach leaves spread evenly on top. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pot on the right side, partially covered by the dish. The colors contrast well, with the sauce’s creamy yellow, the sausage’s brown, and the spinach’s green making the dish look rich and hearty. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this Italian Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe, consider topping it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that sharp, cheesy finish. Fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color that really invites you to dig in.

Side Dishes

This dish doesn’t need much fuss on the side, but a crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables complements the creamy orzo beautifully. Crusty garlic bread or a soft focaccia are fantastic if you want something to sop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive yet simple presentation, serve the Italian Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe in warm shallow bowls, garnished with a drizzle of good olive oil and a few flakes of sea salt. If you want to get playful, you could even stuff it into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for a colorful, family-friendly meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after a day, making the leftovers just as delicious as when freshly made.

Freezing

While the creamy texture may change slightly after freezing, you can freeze portions of the Italian Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Be sure to thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently until warmed through. You can also microwave it, just be sure to stir halfway to maintain that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Italian chicken sausage gives a lighter taste, you can substitute with pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer, adjusting seasoning accordingly.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with a coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for that umami flavor, though the texture and flavor may vary a bit.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking. Fresh chopped chili peppers also work well for a vibrant spice kick.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions. Just add them in with the onions or partway through simmering to cook them evenly.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?

You can substitute other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, pastina, or even small elbows. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on texture.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe is one of those comforting, fuss-free meals that quickly becomes a staple in your cooking rotation. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together so easily that you’ll want to make it again and again. If you love hearty but simple dinners that bring everyone to the table eager for seconds, this recipe is calling your name!