Nothing beats a cozy, flavorful dinner that comes together in just one pan—easy cleanup included! This One-Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe is one of my go-to meals for busy nights when I want comfort food without fussing over too many pots and pans.

A white plate holds a colorful dish with three main layers: a base of small, shiny orzo pasta that is light golden in color, mixed evenly with diced green bell peppers and small chunks of red tomatoes, creating a vibrant mix. Scattered throughout are slices of browned sausage, round and slightly orange, sitting on top and mixed in with the orzo. Finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the whole dish, adding fresh green highlights. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. A small white bowl with more chopped green herbs is placed near the top right. 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 Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’d never usually rave about a one-pot dish, but this one truly stands out. It’s hearty without being heavy, loaded with flavor, and comes together in a flash—perfect for when time’s tight but taste still matters.

Simple & Convenient: You cook everything in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze—something I always appreciate after a long day.
Balanced & Satisfying: Chicken sausage, veggies, and orzo provide protein, fiber, and carbs all in one bowl.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, tomato paste, and paprika gives it that warm, comforting pop of savory goodness.
Flexible & Customizable: You can swap veggies or sausage types based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this One-Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture, plus it’s easy to find them at any grocery store. Here’s why I love these building blocks:

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked orzo pasta, two whole green bell peppers, a cluster of fresh Bella mushrooms diced, a few cloves of whole unpeeled garlic, a quarter of a white onion diced, several slices of raw chicken sausage rounds arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl containing diced fresh tomatoes, two small white ceramic bowls with golden olive oil and clear chicken broth, scattered kosher salt crystals and a small heap 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: Provides the perfect base to sauté everything and infuse that rich, slightly fruity flavor we all love.
White onion: Adds sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
Kosher salt: Seasoning is key, and separating it lets you layer the flavor gradually.
Bella mushrooms: Give an earthy note and meaty texture that balances the sausage.
Chicken sausage: Delivers juicy, flavorful protein that cooks quickly—plus variety if you choose spicy, herb, or mild.
Garlic: No surprise here—garlic brightens everything and makes the whole dish sing.
Green bell peppers: Add a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness.
Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks fast and absorbs all those savory juices.
Paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone without heat.
Ground black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to keep things interesting.
Tomato paste: Concentrated flavor powerhouse that binds everything together.
Diced tomatoes: Juicy acidity gently brightens the dish and keeps it saucy.
Chicken broth: Moistens the orzo and infuses it with savory goodness as it simmers.

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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

While I love the classic combo here, this dish is a fantastic blank canvas. I often swap in different veggies or go for a spicy sausage when I’m feeling bold. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes use smoked sausage or even kielbasa for a different twist—it adds a smoky richness that’s irresistible.
Vegetarian option: Leave out the sausage and double up on mushrooms and bell peppers; maybe add a splash of soy sauce for umami.
Spicy kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or swap in a hot Italian sausage if you want more heat.
Seasonal change: Swap bell peppers for zucchini or spinach when they’re in season to keep it fresh and vibrant.

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

A large black skillet filled with a layered dish of orange-tinted rice mixed with chopped green bell peppers and small sliced sausage pieces that are brown on the edges. The rice is soft and glossy, with visible tomato bits giving a reddish tone. On top, there is a pile of fresh green chopped herbs adding a fresh touch. A wooden spoon with some rice on it rests on the side inside the skillet. The background is a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially showing in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once it’s shimmering and fragrant, toss in the minced white onions and sprinkle with half a teaspoon of salt. Stir frequently for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent—this step makes a big difference as it forms the flavor base.

Step 2: Brown Mushrooms and Chicken Sausage

Add the diced mushrooms, sliced chicken sausage, minced garlic, and another half teaspoon of salt to the pan. Keep things moving with a wooden spoon for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms have softened and sausage is lightly browned. Don’t rush—browning here brings out those yummy caramelized notes.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo and Add Spices

Push the mixture to the side, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if the skillet looks dry, and toss in the orzo along with paprika, black pepper, tomato paste, and the last teaspoon of salt. Stir to coat the orzo and toast it for 2-3 minutes—the little toasty crunch really boosts the texture and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch that it doesn’t stick to the bottom—if it does, add a splash more broth or water.

Step 5: Finish and Fluff

When the orzo is tender but still with a little bite (al dente is the goal here), remove the pan from heat and uncover it. Fluff everything gently with a fork to separate the grains and mix the flavors evenly. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in!

Top Tip

Having made this dish dozens of times, here are a few tips I swear by to nail it every time—and avoid common pitfalls.

Patience When Sautéing: Don’t rush the onions and mushrooms; letting them brown slowly locks in deeper flavors that make the whole dish shine.
Toast the Orzo: It might feel odd, but toasting the orzo before adding liquid adds nuttiness that really elevates the final texture and taste.
Keep It Covered: Cover the pan while simmering the orzo to trap steam and cook it evenly—plus it keeps your kitchen cleaner by reducing splatters.
Stir Gently but Often: Prevent sticking by stirring every few minutes; this also helps the flavors distribute beautifully throughout the dish.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe

chicken sausage orzo - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A little grated Parmesan never hurts either, and if you want a bit of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice adds lovely balance.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite complete on its own, but I sometimes serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts for a crunchy contrast. Garlic bread also pairs perfectly if you want to keep things casual and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this in shallow bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil and scattered toasted pine nuts for crunch. It also looks beautiful garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for when you want to impress without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually find the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish before, and while orzo’s texture changes slightly when frozen and reheated, it still tastes great. Just portion it out, freeze flat in freezer bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently warming it in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up, rather than microwaving straight away. This helps keep the orzo from drying out and revives the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even small elbows, but cooking times may vary slightly. Just keep an eye on the texture and adjust the broth accordingly.

Is chicken sausage necessary or can I use regular sausage?

You can definitely swap in your favorite sausage variety. Chicken sausage keeps it a bit lighter, but pork, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages work well. Choose according to your taste and dietary preference.

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

Stirring regularly during the simmering process and making sure there’s enough liquid in the pan are crucial. Using a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet helps, too. If you notice sticking, add a splash of broth or water and scrape gently.

Can I double this recipe or make it for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just use a larger pan or consider splitting the cooking into batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect browning and cooking times. The recipe scales well and stays delicious.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s reliable, flavorful, and fuss-free. I hope you find it just as comforting and convenient as I do—perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a new favorite for you and your family too!