There’s something so comforting about a dish that comes together in just one pan, with layers of flavor and hearty ingredients. This One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage Skillet Recipe is exactly that—simple, delicious, and perfect for those nights when you want a satisfying meal without fussing over multiple pots and pans.

The image shows a white round plate filled with a colorful mix of orzo pasta and sliced sausage. The orzo is light golden and glossy, mixed with vibrant green bell peppers, small pieces of red peppers, and dark brown mushrooms. The sausages are round, light brown with a slight sear, scattered evenly throughout the dish. Fresh chopped parsley is sprinkled on top and also on the side of the plate, adding green contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and part of a small white bowl filled with chopped parsley is visible in the top right corner, with some scattered parsley leaves 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 and Chicken Sausage Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m all about recipes that feel like a warm hug but don’t take all day. This one-pan wonder combines creamy orzo, savory chicken sausage, and fresh veggies all in a quick skillet meal—you’ll want to make it again and again.

Effortless Clean-Up: Since everything cooks in one pan, you spend less time washing up and more time enjoying your meal.
Balanced Flavors and Nutrition: Protein-packed sausage meets earthy mushrooms and bright bell peppers, all bringing vibrant taste and nutrients.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can swap veggies or sausage types easily to suit what you have on hand or dietary preferences.
Perfect for Busy Nights: Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s a lifesaver when you want a wholesome dinner without the hassle.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because each ingredient complements the others perfectly. The orzo soaks up all those savory flavors, while the chicken sausage adds a juicy punch and the mushrooms and peppers bring texture and freshness. Here’s a quick breakdown of why each component earns its spot!

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a quarter of a white onion finely minced on a simple white ceramic plate, a cluster of fresh brown Bella mushrooms diced on a plain white ceramic dish, several whole uncracked chicken sausage links arranged neatly on a white ceramic plate, five peeled garlic cloves minced and placed in a small white ceramic bowl, two large green bell peppers diced on a clean white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl filled with uncooked orzo pasta grains, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red diced tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl holding light brown paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with black ground pepper, a simple white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, and a white ceramic bowl filled with golden chicken broth, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, 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: The base for sautéing, it adds a fruity richness that infuses the whole dish.
White onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth without overpowering.
Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors at every cooking stage.
Bella mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they add dimension and soak up the broth beautifully.
Chicken sausage: Packed with protein and spices, this ingredient keeps things flavorful and filling.
Garlic: A classic flavor booster that brings warmth and savory notes.
Green bell peppers: Bright, crunchy, and slightly sweet, they lighten up the skillet.
Orzo: Small and quick-cooking pasta that’s perfect as the base—creamy and comforting.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky kick without too much heat.
Ground black pepper: Provides freshness and subtle spice.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
Diced tomatoes: Bring acidity and juiciness, cutting through the richness.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that ties all flavors together while cooking the orzo.

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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

One thing I love about this One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I often switch up the veggies depending on what’s fresh or what’s in my fridge that week—sometimes adding spinach or cherry tomatoes for a fresh pop.

Variation: I once swapped the chicken sausage for spicy Italian sausage and added a handful of baby kale at the end for a peppery, hearty twist—totally delicious and a fun way to change things up.
Make it vegetarian: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add more mushrooms and chickpeas for protein.
Mild or spicy: Adjust the paprika and pepper to your taste; even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.

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

A large black skillet filled with a colorful mix of juicy sausage slices, small pieces of green bell pepper, red tomato bits, and orzo pasta that is light orange from sauce. The orzo and vegetables are spread evenly all over the skillet, and a wooden spoon rests on top, stirring the food. Fresh green parsley leaves are scattered over the dish in the center, adding a touch of brightness. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When you get that lovely olive oil shimmer and scent, toss in the minced white onion, seasoning it with half a teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir it around for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to soften and the sweet aroma fills your kitchen—it’s like a little invitation to what’s coming!

Step 2: Add Mushrooms, Sausage, and Garlic

Next, add the diced Bella mushrooms, sliced chicken sausage rounds, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sprinkle in another half teaspoon of salt to bring out all those flavors. Let everything cook together, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mushrooms start to brown and the sausage crisps up slightly. This step creates a beautiful base with rich, savory notes.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo & Spices

Now stir in the orzo, paprika, black pepper, tomato paste, and the remaining salt. Toast the orzo in the pan for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring to coat it in the spices and tomato paste. This little trick enhances the nutty flavor of the orzo before it cooks fully—trust me, it makes a difference worth the extra minute.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and then immediately lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it to make sure the orzo doesn’t stick to the pan, and watch as it absorbs all those rich flavors and the broth until tender but still slightly al dente.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

When the orzo feels just right—creamy but with a gentle bite—remove the skillet from heat, take off the lid, and fluff everything with a fork. This little finishing touch helps separate the grains and mixes the ingredients well. Now you’re ready to serve straight from the pan, which means minimal dishes and maximum comfort!

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, one thing that really improved my results was paying close attention to the orzo’s texture and stirring frequency during simmering. Here’s what I learned that might help you nail it the first time!

Even Toasting: Don’t rush the toasting step with the orzo—it brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor that sets this dish apart from your usual pasta skillet.
Gentle Simmer: Keep the heat low when simmering so the orzo cooks evenly without sticking or burning at the bottom.
Regular Stirring: Stir every few minutes to help prevent sticking but don’t overdo it or the orzo may break down too much.
Check for Al Dente: Taste a bit of orzo toward the end and remove from heat when it’s tender with just a slight bite—remember it continues absorbing even after cooking.

How to Serve One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage Skillet Recipe

One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping this skillet with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil—it adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of color. A little grated Parmesan never hurts either, especially if you want to ramp up the savory richness.

Side Dishes

Since this meal is hearty on its own, I often keep sides simple: a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus rounds out the meal without competing. For something cozy, a crusty slice of bread is perfect to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little dinner party, I’ve served this skillet straight on the table in a rustic cast iron pan with a bowl of chili flakes on the side for guests to customize. Adding a few lemon wedges also brightens up the presentation and gives a fresh zing if people want it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tasty—if not better! Just be sure to cool completely before refrigerating to keep the orzo from getting mushy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this skillet a few times when life got extra busy. It freezes well but the texture of the orzo is best if you don’t keep it frozen longer than a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the best consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to bring back moisture. Microwave works in a pinch—just cover loosely to avoid drying out and stir halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken sausage for Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, depending on the sausage type.

Is it necessary to toast the orzo before adding liquid?

Toasting the orzo is a step I highly recommend because it adds a subtle nuttiness and depth of flavor. However, if you’re in a rush, you can skip it and still have a tasty dish, just slightly less complex in flavor.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

You can easily swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version or even water with a bit of extra seasoning. Using broth gives more flavor, but water works in a pinch.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?

Stirring the orzo periodically while it simmers is key. Also, keeping the heat on a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil helps avoid sticking and burning. Using a non-stick or well-seasoned pan makes a big difference too.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to cozy dinners—comforting, straightforward, and full of flavor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, whether it’s for a quick weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend dinner. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite one-pan meal!