One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage

There’s no better dinner than a one-pan dinner. This One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage is so easy to make and even easier to clean up! It’s so flavorful and comforting that it’ll steal the hearts of all your family and friends — just like it has ours.

A skillet full of rice and vegetables with a wooden spoon.

I’ve gotta say, I’ve been BUSY lately. So busy, that this One-Pan Orzo has been my savior for weeks on end. When I first started making it, I thought it was going to be a once-in-a-while type of dish.

But as it turns out, I’ve been making it almost every week, along with a bunch of other recipes from our trusty ol’ One-Pot Series, because it’s just that good and easy to make.

It’s one of those add-in-a-little-at-a-time and let-it-cook dishes that is perfect for my weekly meal preps or a quick family dinner. Even my toddler, Gus, likes it — which is always a major win. You’re gonna want this one in your kitchen arsenal, for sure!

Chicken sausage: I love using chicken sausage in this dish because it’s already cooked and adds a ton of flavor without having to spend extra time cooking raw meat. It also makes the dish lighter and healthier.
Veggies: White onion, bella mushrooms, garlic, and green bell peppers are all used to give this one-pan Rice a Roni lots of flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Orzo: Truly one of my favorite pastas! I love the texture it adds to this dish. It also helps absorb all the yummy flavors.
Tomato paste: Tomato paste adds a rich and tangy flavor to the dish, giving it that classic Rice a Roni taste.
Tomatoes: I like to use diced tomatoes as they add a touch of freshness and acidity to the dish.
Chicken broth: Chicken broth is used to cook the orzo, infusing it with flavor and making it extra savory.

A frying pan with rice, mushrooms and green peppers.

Other Delicious One-Pan Orzo Ideas

We tested this recipe with long-grain white rice. If you want to use long-grain instead of orzo, follow the same instructions but change to the amounts below. You will also need to cook the rice for 20-25 minutes.

2 cups long-grain white rice
2.5 cups chicken broth

Feel free to mix up the veggies for a different flavor profile. Some other great options include:

Broccoli florets
Zucchini slices
Carrot chunks
Corn kernels

A skillet full of rice and meat with a wooden spoon.

What are some easy add-ins?

Here are some tasty and easy ideas to add even more flavor to your one-pan orzo and chicken sausage:

Cooked shredded chicken or diced tofu
Roasted chickpeas or black beans
Chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil
Sliced olives or capers for a briny flavor punch
Diced avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fat boost

FAQ

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken sausage. You can also add in some extra veggies or even tofu for protein.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Follow the same steps as above but instead of cooking on the stovetop, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Sausage and rice in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or transfer to a pan and cook on medium heat until warmed.

A plate of sauteed rice with sausage and vegetables.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add the white onion and season with ½ teaspoon salt when the olive oil is fragrant. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Add the mushrooms, chicken sausage, garlic, and another ½ teaspoon of salt. Saute for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Next, add the orzo, paprika, pepper, tomato paste, and remaining salt to the skillet and toast the orzo for 2-3 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes covered, stirring periodically to be sure the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
When the orzo is cooked to al dente, remove it from heat, uncover it, and fluff it with a fork.
Enjoy immediately.

We tested this recipe with long-grain white rice. Follow the same instructions, but change the orzo and broth to the amounts below. You will also need to cook the rice for 20-25 minutes.

2 cups long-grain white rice 2.5 cups chicken broth