When I say this one pot garlic butter chicken sausage and orzo recipe has saved my weeknight sanity, I’m not exaggerating. The orzo cooks in a buttery broth, the sausage turns golden and flavorful, and everything just comes together in one pot. That means less mess in the kitchen and more time for, well, anything besides dishes. I love how this sausage and orzo recipe feels hearty without being heavy. The chicken sausage brings a lighter touch than pork, but still delivers that savory kick we all crave after a long day. It reminds me of the Italian chicken sausage recipes I grew up with, only quicker and easier, which makes it a real keeper. If you’ve ever been stuck wondering what recipe with sausage can actually fit into your busy schedule, this is the one. It’s simple enough to make on a Wednesday but cozy enough to call it comfort food. And yes, even if you’re an andoulli sausage recipe fan, this twist will win you over. Trust me, this belongs on your list of sausage recipes for dinner that don’t make you dread cleanup.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo
4) How to Make One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo
5) Tips for Making One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo
6) Making One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe is a hearty yet lighter twist that uses chicken sausage and orzo for a comforting one pot meal.
It brings the flavors of Italian chicken sausage recipes into a weeknight friendly dish.
The garlic butter base creates rich flavor without requiring lots of extra ingredients.
Clean up is easy since everything comes together in one pot.

2) Easy One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo Recipe

I think of this recipe as one of my weeknight saviors. It brings the warmth of chicken sausage recipes into a pot of orzo that simmers in broth until it’s creamy and comforting. I say comforting because the flavor is like a hug, but it doesn’t sit heavy. I love how garlic, butter, and herbs work together here. The aroma hits before the first bite, and that’s usually enough to get everyone around the table without me having to yell “dinner is ready” twice.

This sausage and orzo recipe is all about simple steps and big flavor. The chicken sausage browns, the garlic cooks until it smells sweet, and the orzo soaks up broth while you stir once or twice. I like that it doesn’t require constant attention. I can tidy the counter or chat with the kids while it cooks itself down. That’s the kind of multitasking I can live with.

We’ve all seen sausages recipe ideas that take hours. This isn’t that. This feels like Italian chicken sausage recipes passed down but adapted for weeknights. It’s quick, cozy, and works as a recipe with sausage that doesn’t demand much more than a pot and a wooden spoon.

3) Ingredients for One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo

Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil gives the sausage that golden sear and stops it from sticking. It also adds a subtle fruity note that balances the butter later.

Unsalted Butter: Butter does more than enrich the flavor. It helps toast the orzo and builds a base for the garlic and herbs to cling to. I always keep unsalted on hand so I can control the salt level myself.

Chicken Sausage: The star here. I use a pound of sliced chicken sausage, which browns beautifully and flavors the orzo as it cooks. It keeps the dish lighter than pork but just as hearty.

Onion: A finely chopped onion softens in the pot and sweetens the base of the dish. It’s one of those background flavors you’d miss if it weren’t there.

Garlic: Three cloves, minced. The garlic is the soul of this dish. It turns fragrant in butter and gives depth without overpowering.

Orzo Pasta: This small rice shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up broth. It cooks quickly, which means dinner is done faster.

Chicken Broth: Two and a half cups of broth keep everything moist and flavorful. The orzo absorbs it like a sponge, making the dish creamy without cream.

Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs round things out. They highlight the sausage without stealing the spotlight.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the hot orzo and ties the whole dish together with a nutty edge.

Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness right at the end. It’s like the final brushstroke on a painting.

4) How to Make One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo

Step 1. Heat olive oil and butter in a wide skillet or pot. Wait until the butter foams, then add the sausage slices. Cook until each side is golden brown. Remove the sausage and set it aside.

Step 2. Add chopped onion to the pot. Stir it until it softens and turns slightly golden. Toss in the garlic and stir for about thirty seconds until the smell turns sweet instead of sharp.

Step 3. Pour in the dry orzo. Stir so the grains get coated in the butter and oil. This light toasting step deepens the flavor of the finished dish.

Step 4. Add chicken broth along with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir to combine. Let the pot come to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook uncovered until most of the broth is absorbed.

Step 5. Return the sausage to the pot. Stir so the flavors mingle and let everything heat together for a few minutes. The orzo should be tender but not mushy.

Step 6. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Stir one last time and serve straight from the pot.

5) Tips for Making One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo

I learned through trial that browning the sausage before anything else makes all the difference. Those browned bits left behind flavor the whole pot. Don’t skip that step. I also discovered that orzo needs just enough broth. Too little and it sticks, too much and it turns soupy. Keep an eye on it near the end and stir so it doesn’t cling to the bottom.

If you’re in the mood for more depth, swap part of the chicken sausage for andoulli sausage recipe flavors. It brings a smokier kick without throwing off the balance. Another tip, keep Parmesan on the table. Some of us like just a sprinkle, others pile it high. Let people choose their own cheese adventure.

When I first tested this dish, I worried it might taste flat. The answer was fresh herbs. That last handful of parsley right before serving wakes everything up. It’s such a small thing, but it turns a good pot of food into a great one.

6) Making One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo Ahead of Time

One thing I like about this recipe is how well it holds up if you make it in advance. If I know I’ll be short on time, I’ll cook the whole dish, let it cool, and then reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth. The flavors settle and deepen overnight, which makes it just as good the next day.

If you want to prep in parts, brown the sausage ahead of time and chop the onion and garlic. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to put it all together. That way, dinner comes together in minutes. For meal prepping lunches, portion the orzo and sausage into containers. Add Parmesan after reheating so it tastes fresh.

Unlike some pasta dishes, this one doesn’t dry out badly. The starch in the orzo keeps it creamy, which is one more reason it’s become one of my favorite sausage recipes for dinner prep.

7) Storing Leftover One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo

Leftovers rarely last long in my house, but when they do, I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re good for up to three days. To reheat, I put a portion in a pan with a splash of broth or even water. It brings the orzo back to life without making it soggy.

If you’re freezing, let it cool completely before sealing it in a freezer safe bag. It can keep for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. I always add fresh parsley and Parmesan after reheating, because herbs and cheese lose their punch when stored too long.

This recipe with sausage doesn’t just save you on busy nights. It saves you again the next day when all you want is something ready to eat with little effort.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Sausage and Orzo