There’s nothing better than a one-pan dinner for busy evenings. This One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage is easy to prepare, full of comforting flavor, and a breeze to clean up. With a balance of protein, vegetables, and tender orzo that soaks up the sauce, it quickly became a weekly go-to in our kitchen. It works great for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want satisfyingly simple cooking without a sink full of dishes.
This recipe is built around a handful of accessible ingredients and straightforward steps: sauté aromatics and mushrooms, brown pre-cooked chicken sausage, toast the orzo briefly, then simmer with diced tomatoes and broth until tender. The result is a savory, slightly tomato-forward rice-a-roni style dish with lovely texture from the bell peppers and mushrooms. It’s flexible too—swap vegetables, use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian, or serve alongside a salad for a complete meal.
One-Pan Orzo – Featured Ingredients
- Chicken sausage: Pre-cooked chicken sausage adds immediate flavor and protein and keeps the dish light and convenient.
- Vegetables: White onion, bella mushrooms, garlic, and green bell peppers provide texture, color, and nutrition.
- Orzo: A beloved small pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce, giving the dish a creamy, satisfying bite.
- Tomato paste and diced tomatoes: Add depth, tang, and a classic savory note that ties the ingredients together.
- Chicken broth: Cooks the orzo and infuses the whole pan with rich, savory flavor. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Other Delicious One-Pan Orzo Ideas
If you prefer long-grain white rice instead of orzo, this one-pan method works well with a few adjustments. Replace the orzo and broth amounts below and extend the simmer time so the rice has enough time to cook through. For rice, you will need to simmer about 20–25 minutes:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
Switch up the veggies
Mixing the vegetables is an easy way to refresh the recipe. Try swapping or adding any of the following based on seasonality or preference:
- Broccoli florets
- Zucchini slices
- Carrot chunks
- Corn kernels
Easy Add-ins to Boost Flavor
These simple additions can increase protein, texture, or freshness without complicating the cook process:
- Cooked shredded chicken or diced firm tofu for extra protein
- Roasted chickpeas or black beans for plant-based protein and bite
- Fresh chopped herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil for brightness
- Sliced olives or capers for a briny counterpoint
- Diced avocado added just before serving for creaminess and healthy fat
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave portions until warmed through or reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the mixture has dried out.
Delicious & Easy One-Pan Meals
- One-Pan Cauliflower Nachos (one-pan style)
- Chicken Cacciatore Quinoa Casserole
- One Pot Moroccan Chicken
- One-Pot Sneaky Spaghettios
One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage Recipe
This one-pan orzo and chicken sausage delivers a weeknight-friendly meal with protein, vegetables, and satisfying carbs. Total time: about 40 minutes. Serves: 6.
Author: Lee Funke
Prep: 20 mins • Cook: 20 mins • Total: 40 mins • Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ¼ white onion, minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, separated
- 8 oz. Bella mushrooms, diced
- 10 oz. chicken sausage, cut into rounds (pre-cooked)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large green bell peppers, diced
- 2 cups orzo
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 2.25 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth to make vegetarian)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced onion and season with ½ teaspoon salt once the oil is fragrant. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the diced mushrooms, sliced chicken sausage, minced garlic, and another ½ teaspoon salt. Sauté for an additional 3–4 minutes until the mushrooms release moisture and the sausage warms through.
- Stir in the orzo, paprika, ground black pepper, tomato paste, and the remaining salt. Toast the orzo in the pan for 2–3 minutes, stirring so it picks up a bit of color and flavor.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- When the orzo reaches the desired texture, remove the skillet from heat, uncover, and fluff the mixture gently with a fork. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Notes
- To use long-grain white rice instead of orzo: swap 2 cups orzo for 2 cups rice and increase the broth to 2.5 cups. Cook the rice in the covered skillet for 20–25 minutes, checking for doneness and adding a bit more liquid if needed.
- Vegetarian option: use vegetable broth and omit the chicken sausage. Add extra beans, tofu, or roasted vegetables for protein.
- Prevent sticking: stir the pan occasionally while simmering and lower the heat if the liquid bubbles too vigorously.
- For more color and freshness, finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil.
Nutrition (estimated per serving)
Calories: 384 kcal • Carbohydrates: 48 g • Protein: 16 g • Fat: 15 g • Fiber: 4 g • Sugar: 6 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken sausage. Add extra vegetables, beans, or tofu for protein and texture.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes. Combine the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. If using orzo, add it later or check texture carefully so it doesn’t overcook; using rice will require longer cook time and more liquid.
Photography by: The Wooden Skillet