One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage | Easy Weeknight Dinner

Nothing beats the cozy, savory comfort of a dish that comes together in one pan. This One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe is that perfect combination of warm flavors, tender orzo, and hearty sausage all cooked right together, making cleanup a breeze and your taste buds very happy.

A white plate filled with a colorful mix of orzo pasta, sliced sausage, and chopped vegetables. The orzo is light golden and shiny, mixed with pieces of green bell pepper, small red tomato chunks, and mushrooms scattered throughout. The sausage slices are round, light brown with a slightly glossy surface, and are spread evenly on top. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on the side and over the dish for a fresh look. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of chopped green herbs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe has quickly become one of my go-tos for a hassle-free dinner that still feels special. Everything cooks together in one pan, so it saves time and helps those busy weeknights feel less stressful. Plus, the way the orzo soaks up the chicken broth and tomato flavors? Magic!

All-in-One Cooking: You only need one skillet, drastically cutting down on dishes and cleanup time.
Balanced Flavor and Nutrition: Protein-packed chicken sausage pairs beautifully with veggies and tender orzo for a satisfying meal.
Speed and Simplicity: Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but nourishing.
Room to Customize: The flavors are approachable and flexible, so you can easily swap veggies or adjust seasonings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role here. The chicken sausage adds hearty protein and spice, while the orzo cooks up tender yet chewy, soaking in all the rich broth and tomato paste flavor. Fresh veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onion bring sweetness and texture that balance the dish beautifully.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked orzo pasta, a few whole chicken sausages sliced into rounds showing their textured interior, diced green bell peppers with vibrant color, a handful of diced Bella mushrooms with rich brown caps, five whole cloves of garlic with papery skins intact, a quarter of a white onion peeled and diced, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red tomato paste, another small white bowl with diced fresh tomatoes, a third small white bowl with golden olive oil, a fourth small white bowl holding clear chicken broth, and two small white ceramic dishes containing coarse kosher salt and ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: For a silky base that browns the sausage and veggies without sticking.
White onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
Kosher salt: Essential to season each layer and enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Bella mushrooms: Bring an earthy, meaty texture that complements the sausage.
Chicken sausage: Use your favorite variety, slightly spicy works great to add warmth.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the whole dish with its aromatic punch.
Green bell peppers: For a crisp, mildly sweet bite and vibrant color.
Orzo: This pasta cooks up beautifully, soaking in seasoning and broth for a creamy finish.
Paprika: Adds a smoky, warm spice layer without overwhelming the dish.
Ground black pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic sharpness.
Tomato paste: Gives concentrated tomato flavor and richness, lending depth to the broth.
Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and juiciness, brightening the overall taste.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that ties everything together and flavors the orzo deeply.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing it up depending on what I have on hand or what mood I'm in. You can easily switch out the veggies or make it a bit spicy if you prefer. The one-pan method is so forgiving, you can make this dish truly your own without any stress.

Add some heat: I like to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap chicken sausage for spicy Italian sausage when I crave a little kick.
Vegetarian twist: Skip the sausage and toss in extra mushrooms or chickpeas for protein—you'll still get tons of flavor and texture.
Seasonal veggies: Swap bell peppers for zucchini or spinach depending on what's fresh or your personal preference.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe

The dish shows a large black skillet filled with a mix of rice and sliced sausages, mixed evenly with pieces of green and red bell peppers and small chunks of mushrooms. The rice is light brown, soft, and coated with a mild sauce, giving it a glossy look. Freshly chopped green herbs are sprinkled generously on top, providing a bright contrast to the warm colors of the sausage and vegetables. A wooden spoon rests inside the skillet, partly inserted into the rice, showing the texture and layers of the dish. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with a crumpled white cloth nearby, adding a casual feel to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the onion until fragrant

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once it’s shimmering and smells fragrant, add the minced white onion and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes—this brings out its natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base. Don’t rush this step; softened onions make all the difference.

Step 2: Add mushrooms, sausage, and garlic

Next, toss in the diced mushrooms, sliced chicken sausage, and minced garlic with another ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the sausage edges start to brown. This layering gives everything a rich, caramelized flavor you just can’t beat.

Step 3: Toast the orzo with seasonings

Add the orzo, paprika, black pepper, tomato paste, and the last 1 teaspoon of salt over the sausage and veggies. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to toast the orzo lightly. This step amps up the nuttiness of the pasta and ensures it soaks up all the savory flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Simmer with broth and tomatoes

Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. You’re looking for just tender, al dente orzo infused with all those robust flavors.

Step 5: Fluff and serve

Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, turn off the heat and remove the lid. Fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. At this point, the dish is ready to enjoy immediately—comfort food in a bowl!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple tricks to make the One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe really shine and avoid common pitfalls.

Toast the orzo: Don’t skip the toasting step—it deepens the flavor and helps prevent the pasta from turning mushy.
Seasoning in layers: Adding salt gradually helps build well-rounded taste without overdoing it or missing spots.
Stir for even cooking: During simmering, stirring occasionally stops the orzo from sticking and burning on the bottom, especially as the liquid reduces.
Don’t overcook the veggies: Keep the mushrooms and peppers slightly tender with a bit of bite—it makes the texture more interesting.

How to Serve One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe

One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. A little grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely nutty richness. Sometimes, I squeeze a wedge of lemon over it just before serving for brightness—trust me, this zing takes the dish to the next level.

Side Dishes

This one-pan wonder is pretty filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic broccoli to add extra veggies. A crusty slice of garlic bread also makes a fantastic side to soak up any lingering sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I serve this in pretty shallow bowls topped with a sprig of fresh herbs and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. You can even stuff the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake them for a fun twist that’s great for impressing guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This dish reheats wonderfully and usually lasts about 3-4 days without losing its texture or flavor.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftovers, I find the orzo texture changes slightly after freezing and thawing. If you plan to freeze, keep portions smaller and thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This restores the creaminess and keeps the orzo from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While chicken sausage works great for a lighter meal, you can substitute with turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even vegetarian sausage to fit your diet and taste.

What if I don’t have orzo?

If you don't have orzo, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or even small shells work well. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they reach al dente without overcooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or quick-cooking grains like quinoa. Keep an eye on cooking times and texture since they differ from orzo.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes when you add the paprika, or choose a spicy chicken sausage. Fresh chopped jalapeño also makes a nice addition if you love bold spice.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe holds a special place in my regular meal rotation because it balances convenience and flavor so effortlessly. It’s one of those dishes that feels like you took your time, even though it comes together so quickly. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll enjoy how easy and flavorful weeknight dinners can be without any fuss.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way