Easy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet - Quick Dinner Recipe for Two

When weeknights get busy and your brain screams “takeout,” this Chicken Sausage Orzo Pasta swoops in like the hero dinner you didn’t know you needed. We’re talking juicy chicken sausage, creamy orzo, a garlic overload (in the best way possible), and a handful of spinach for that “hey, I ate my greens today” moment—all ready in just 20 minutes.

The best part? This dish checks so many boxes. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but you can totally pair it with your favorite sides for chicken sausage if you want to stretch it into something more. Honestly, it’s one of those quick easy meal prep dinners you’ll keep on repeat, because not only does it taste like comfort food, but it also holds up beautifully as recipes good for leftovers. Nothing sadder than a soggy next-day meal, right? Not here—this one reheats like a dream.

I love how versatile this skillet is too. If you’re into cheddar chicken sausage recipes, throw some shredded cheddar on top and let it melt into creamy, gooey perfection. Feeling like a cozy Sunday vibe? You could even spin it into a variation inspired by crockpot chicken sausage recipes, though, IMO, nothing beats the speed of one pan on the stove.

This meal also doubles as one of those perfect cottage meals for a crowd (just scale it up), but it works equally well as one of those easy food recipes for two when you don’t want to deal with leftovers. And if you’re on the hunt for chicken sausage dinner ideas healthy, this one’s got lean protein, vitamins from the spinach, and way less cleanup than a typical full-course meal.

So, what’s the verdict—ready to ditch the takeout and make this skillet happen tonight?

Easy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet - Quick Dinner Recipe for Two

Author: Aleda

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Course: Dinner, Main Dish | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (or heavy cream)
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until nicely browned and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until aromatic—don’t let it burn!
2. Stir in the dry orzo and toast it briefly with the sausage and garlic for about a minute. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then add coconut milk, soy sauce, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Mix everything thoroughly.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
4. Add the baby spinach, cooking until wilted, then fold in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting skillet!

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