There’s something so satisfying about a meal that comes together in one pan, delivering cozy comfort without the fuss. This One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe hits all the right notes with its hearty flavors and easy cleanup—perfect for busy evenings when you want something both nourishing and simple.

A white shallow bowl filled with a colorful mix of cooked orzo pasta, sliced sausage rounds, diced green bell peppers, small mushroom pieces, and diced tomatoes. The orzo is light golden with a moist, saucy texture and is evenly mixed with the vegetables and sausage. Fresh chopped green herbs are scattered on top, adding bright green splashes around the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of more chopped green herbs placed 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

I remember the first time I made this One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe—I was blown away by how much flavor packed into just one skillet. It’s that kind of recipe that makes you want to keep a pan handy all week long.

One-pan wonder: Everything cooks together, so you save time on prep and cleanup—trust me, your future self will thank you.
Balanced and hearty: Protein, veggies, and tender orzo all in one bite—makes it a complete meal.
Flavorful but straightforward: The combo of garlic, paprika, and tomato paste adds layers of depth without complicated steps.
Versatile and customizable: Whether you have guests or want a quick solo dinner, it’s easy to tweak and please everyone.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe plays a vital role, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. Plus, finding quality ingredients makes all the difference, so here’s a quick guide on what to look for and why.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a quarter white onion minced on a simple white plate, a cluster of fresh whole Bella mushrooms diced on a separate white plate, several rounds of fresh chicken sausage arranged neatly on a white ceramic dish, five unpeeled whole garlic cloves, two vibrant green bell peppers diced on another white plate, a small mound of dry orzo pasta, a small white bowl holding deep red tomato paste, a simple white bowl with bright red diced tomatoes, a small white bowl containing light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, a tiny heap of reddish paprika powder, and a small pile of ground black pepper all placed 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: Using good quality olive oil ensures a rich base flavor and helps sauté ingredients evenly.
White onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked just until fragrant.
Bella mushrooms: They soak up the broth beautifully and add an earthy tone to balance the sausage.
Chicken sausage: Choose a flavorful yet lean chicken sausage to keep the dish hearty without overpowering it.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the whole dish with warmth and aromatic flavor quickly.
Green bell peppers: Add a crunchy texture and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks fast and absorbs all the tasty broth and spices.
Paprika: A smoky hint that amplifies the sausage flavor and ties the dish together.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the spices.
Tomato paste: Gives a slight tang and richness to the sauce without adding excess liquid.
Diced tomatoes: They provide moisture and fresh brightness, keeping the orzo from drying out.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that carries all the flavors into the orzo and ingredients.

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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 this recipe because it's so forgiving and easy to tweak depending on what I have on hand. You can customize it to your taste or dietary needs without losing the essence of that cozy one-pan goodness.

Variation: I like to swap out the chicken sausage for a spicy turkey sausage when I want a little heat—it's a nice twist that adds extra flavor without much effort.
Veggie boost: Throw in some chopped zucchini or spinach near the end of cooking for an extra punch of color and nutrition.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage altogether and add extra mushrooms or hearty beans for protein—it still comes out delicious!
Cheesy finish: Stir in some grated Parmesan or sprinkle feta on top right before serving for a creamy contrast I can’t resist.

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

A large black skillet is filled with a colorful orzo dish mixed with sliced sausage pieces, diced green bell peppers, and small bits of red and brown vegetables, all coated in a slightly shiny reddish-orange sauce. On top, fresh green chopped parsley is spread around the center, adding a splash of bright color. A wooden spoon rests in the skillet, partly buried in the orzo. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface, with a white cloth napkin placed casually at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

First things first—heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it starts shimmering and you catch that lovely olive oil aroma, toss in the minced white onion with half a teaspoon of kosher salt. Sauté it for about 3–4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step builds the flavor foundation, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Mushrooms, Sausage & Garlic

Next, add the diced Bella mushrooms, the chicken sausage rounds, minced garlic, and another half teaspoon of salt. Cook everything together for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms release their juices and the sausage browns lightly. You want that caramelized flavor without the garlic burning—keep an eye and stir gently.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo with Spices

Time to add the orzo, paprika, ground black pepper, tomato paste, and the last teaspoon of salt. Stir the orzo around in the skillet for 2–3 minutes so it toasts lightly and picks up all the spices. This little step makes the orzo nuttier and really deepens the flavor—definitely worth doing!

Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring everything to combine. Crank the heat back up to bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. Remember to stir intermittently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the orzo is perfectly al dente with just enough sauce to coat every bite.

Step 5: Fluff and Enjoy

Turn off the heat, uncover the skillet, and fluff the orzo with a fork to separate the grains and evenly distribute the sausage and veggies. I love serving this straight from the pan because it’s warm, inviting, and comforting right away—but of course, you can portion it out as you like.

Top Tip

From my many attempts at this One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe, a few tricks made it a go-to favorite fast. These pointers not only enhance flavor but also help you avoid common cooking hiccups.

Don’t rush the sauté: Let the onions, mushrooms, and sausage get nicely browned to develop richer flavor—patience here pays off big.
Toast the orzo: Dry toasting helps keep the pasta from turning mushy and adds a subtle nutty taste I adore.
Watch the liquid: Simmer covered, but stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check if you need a splash more broth—it should be creamy, not soupy.
Season in stages: Adding salt little by little means you won’t over-salt by the end, and flavors stay balanced.

How to Serve One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

I’ve grown fond of topping this dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of green and freshness. A light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese always seals the deal for me—its salty, creamy touch perfectly complements the hearty orzo and sausage. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

Since this is a one-pan meal loaded with protein and veggies, I like to keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, or some roasted Brussels sprouts add a nice contrast in texture. On more casual nights, crusty garlic bread alongside is a total crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or when hosting friends, I like to serve this in rustic shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for an added bright lift. Layering it with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or labneh can turn the meal into something a bit more elevated and indulgent. It never fails to impress but requires minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually stays delicious for up to 3 days. When packing it for lunch, I like to add a fresh topping of chopped herbs to revive the flavors.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. I portion the cooled orzo into freezer-safe containers and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just know that the texture softens a bit in the freezer, so I prefer eating it fresh when I can, but frozen works great when pressed for time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. Stir frequently until warmed through. I avoid the microwave if I want to maintain that lovely orzo texture and flavor balance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of sausage in the One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe?

Absolutely! Pork, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages can be substituted. Adjust cooking times accordingly since some sausages may need longer to cook through.

What’s the best way to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?

Stir the orzo occasionally during simmering and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan. Toasting the orzo before simmering also helps create a lightly toasted coating that reduces sticking.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional orzo contains wheat, so to keep this gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta similar in size like rice or quinoa pasta. Cooking time and liquid amounts may vary, so keep an eye on it.

How spicy is this One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe?

The recipe itself is mild with just a hint of smokiness from the paprika. You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing a spicy sausage or adding red pepper flakes to taste.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe countless times, and it never fails to feel like a warm hug on a busy day. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to serve when friends drop by. Give it a try—you’ll love how little effort yields such satisfying, hearty results. Let me know how you customize yours!