There's something irresistible about a comforting, hearty skillet meal that comes together in one pot and fills your kitchen with amazing aromas. This One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe is exactly that—flavor-packed, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make, perfect for those busy nights when you want dinner without the fuss.

A white round plate holds a colorful dish of orzo pasta mixed with slices of browned sausage, green bell pepper pieces, small chunks of red tomato, and bits of mushroom. The orzo has a light orange sauce coating it, giving a glossy texture. The sausage pieces are round and slightly browned, scattered evenly on top and through the pasta. Bright green parsley leaves are chopped and sprinkled over the dish, with a small pile of parsley on one side of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with parts of green herbs visible around it. 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’ve made this dish so many times that it feels like an old friend in my recipe collection. What makes this One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe a staple in my kitchen is how perfectly balanced the flavors and textures are, plus how little cleanup you have afterward!

Simple One-Pan Cooking: You’ll get a full meal in one skillet, which means less washing up and more time enjoying your food.
Flavorful & Hearty: Combining chicken sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers creates a savory, satisfying dish with real depth.
Fast to Make: From start to finish, the whole thing takes under 40 minutes—a total lifesaver on busy evenings.
Customizable: You can tweak the veggies, spice level, or even swap the protein for a different sausage or plant-based alternative.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe hits the sweet spot between easy pantry cooking and fresh ingredients. Each item plays its part—olive oil brings richness, chicken sausage adds protein and savory notes, while the orzo soaks in all those flavors for a comforting bite.

Flat lay of fresh diced white onion in a small white ceramic bowl, whole uncracked brown chicken sausages sliced into rounds neatly arranged on a white ceramic plate, diced green bell peppers in another small white ceramic bowl, a cluster of whole Bella mushrooms, five unpeeled whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, uncooked orzo pasta spread evenly on a simple white ceramic dish, a small white bowl containing bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl with diced fresh tomatoes, another small white ceramic bowl holding light amber chicken broth, a pinch of vibrant red paprika and ground black pepper each gently placed on separate white ceramic dishes, kosher salt sprinkled artfully on a small white ceramic bowl — all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, 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: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil if you have it—it really lifts the sautéed veggies and sausage.
White onion: Adds a gentle sweetness when softened, helping build the flavor base.
Bella mushrooms: Adds earthiness and umami that pairs so well with sausage.
Chicken sausage: I prefer chicken sausage because it’s lean but still packs plenty of flavor; slice into rounds for even cooking.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is essential; it gives the dish its aromatic backbone.
Green bell peppers: Provides a mild crunch and freshness that contrast the pasta and sausage.
Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the surrounding flavors beautifully.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the dish.
Ground black pepper: For a little bite and depth.
Tomato paste: Concentrated flavor that enriches the sauce with umami and body.
Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and freshness, balancing the richer elements.
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you can, so you can control saltiness better and let the other ingredients shine.

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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 switching up the veggies depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I throw in chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra pop. Feel free to swap the chicken sausage with turkey or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.

Variation: One time I added sliced Kalamata olives and fresh oregano to amp up the Mediterranean vibe—it was a hit with my family!
Spice level: If you like a little heat, toss in crushed red pepper flakes when adding the garlic.
Make it lighter: Use vegetable broth and omit the sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version. Sauté more mushrooms to keep it hearty.
Add cheese: Stir in some crumbled feta or freshly grated Parmesan right before serving for a creamy finish.

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

The image shows a black pan filled with a single-layered dish of golden-orange orzo pasta mixed with sliced sausage pieces, which are brown with a slightly crispy texture. Scattered throughout the orzo are green bell pepper chunks and small bits of dark mushrooms, creating a mix of colors and textures. Fresh chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a bright contrast to the dish. A wooden spoon rests in the pan, partially submerged in the orzo. The pan 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 onion to start the flavor base

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering and fragrant, add the minced white onion and sprinkle ½ teaspoon kosher salt over it. Stir occasionally and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. This step draws out the onion’s sweetness and sets a great foundation.

Step 2: Add mushrooms, chicken sausage, and garlic

Next, add the diced mushrooms, sliced chicken sausage rounds, and minced garlic to the skillet. Season with another ½ teaspoon of salt. Sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes, letting the sausage brown slightly and the mushrooms release their moisture. This step layers the savory, meaty flavors that make this dish so comforting.

Step 3: Toast the orzo and seasonings

Stir in the orzo, paprika, ground black pepper, tomato paste, and the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Toast the orzo for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn. You’ll notice a lovely aroma developing here—the orzo starts to soak in all those tasty spices and tomato paste.

Step 4: Add liquids and simmer

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking to the pan. You’ll know it’s done when the orzo is tender but still has a little bite (al dente).

Step 5: Fluff and serve

Remove the pan from the heat and take off the lid. Fluff the orzo gently with a fork to separate the grains and release any steam. Serve immediately, spooning generous portions onto plates or bowls. This dish tastes so good right at the moment it’s freshly cooked, but leftovers are amazing too.

Top Tip

I’ve cooked this One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe countless times, and the biggest difference-maker for me is controlling heat and timing when to add ingredients. Getting these steps right means perfectly cooked orzo without sticking or mushiness.

Don’t rush the toasting: Letting the orzo toast for a few minutes brings out a nutty flavor and prevents it from turning gummy later.
Keep stirring during simmering: It’s crucial to stir occasionally while the orzo cooks so it doesn’t stick to the pan’s bottom and burn.
Use a good-quality skillet with a lid: That helps the orzo cook evenly, trapping steam without losing too much moisture.
Season progressively: Salt little by little—it enhances each layer’s flavor rather than over-salting at the end.

How to Serve One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this dish, I love topping it with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a bright herbal note. A little sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese also adds creaminess and an extra layer of flavor that takes it up a notch.

Side Dishes

Since this meal is truly a one-pan wonder, I usually keep sides light and simple. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts pairs perfectly to contrast the warm, savory orzo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve plated this One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe in individual shallow bowls, garnished with a lemon wedge and microgreens. It makes the dish feel elevated but still approachable—a great way to impress guests without extra work!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for 3 to 4 days. The orzo tends to soak up more liquid over time, so sometimes I add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

Freezing works, though I personally prefer eating it fresh or refrigerated because the texture of the orzo softens a bit after thawing. If you do freeze, portion it out first and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring gently to warm evenly. Microwave works too—just cover the bowl to keep moisture in and stir halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! You can swap chicken sausage for pork, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. Just adjust cooking times if the sausage is raw or pre-cooked.

Is orzo gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn at some specialty stores if you need a gluten-free version.

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

Stirring periodically while simmering and making sure there is enough liquid are key. Also, toasting the orzo first helps it absorb flavors and keeps it from getting mushy or sticky.

Can I prepare this One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of broth to keep the texture creamy and fresh.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe has become my go-to comfort meal on hectic nights because it’s unfussy, yet so satisfying. I’m confident you’ll enjoy the delicious layers of flavor and how easy it is to make. Give it a try—soon, I bet this skillet meal will feel like your new weeknight favorite, just like it did for me.