Chicken Sausage Orzo One Pot (Printable)

Hearty one-pot meal with chicken sausage, orzo, and vegetables ready in 35 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 12 oz fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 zucchini, diced
06 - 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
07 - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

→ Pantry

08 - 1½ cups orzo pasta
09 - 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - ½ tsp dried basil
13 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
14 - ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
15 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Optional Garnish

16 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and sauté for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same pan, add onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and zucchini; cook for another 2 minutes.
03 - Add orzo to the pan and toast, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until lightly fragrant.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and add grape tomatoes, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Return browned sausage to the pot and add spinach. Stir until spinach wilts and everything is heated through, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The orzo releases starch into the broth as it cooks, creating a naturally creamy sauce without any actual cream
  • Everything happens in one pan, which means maximum flavor development and minimal cleanup
02 -
  • The orzo will continue absorbing liquid after you turn off the heat, so if it looks done while still slightly soupy, remove it from the burner immediately
  • If the pasta absorbs all the liquid before its tender, add hot broth ¼ cup at a time rather than water to maintain flavor
03 -
  • Use a pot with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution
  • If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth before warming and stir frequently

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