One Pot Chicken Sausage and Butternut Squash Orzo Pasta Recipe

One skillet of orzo pasta recipe filled with chicken sausage, butternut squash, spinach, cream and parmesan cheese.

5 from 1 vote

One Pot Chicken Sausage and Butternut Squash Orzo Pasta Recipe

Got 20 minutes? You can whip up this One Pot Chicken Sausage and Butternut Squash Orzo Pasta Recipe! It's super easy, packed with veggies, and comes together in just one pot—less mess, more flavor. The mix of butternut squash, sage, and savory chicken sausage is the perfect combo for a hearty meal, especially on those busy nights when you need something quick and tasty.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: -6 people

Calories: 552kcal

Author: Danielle

Equipment

Ingredients

3 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoon butter
¼ cup onion small diced (yellow or sweet)
1 tablespoon garlic minced
16 ounces chicken sausages thinly sliced (Aidells or similar - any flavor you like!)
16 ounces butternut squash peeled and cubed (I buy a 16oz bag already cubed)
2 tablespoon fresh sage minced
1.5 cups orzo pasta
¼ cup heavy cream
1 cup greens spinach or arugula
¼ cup parmesan cheese + more for garnish

Instructions

Start by microwaving the chicken stock until hot (3-5 minutes) to cut down on cooking time. While it’s heating, proceed with step 2.
3 cups chicken stock
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and saute onion until just beginning to brown. Add in garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
2 tablespoon butter, ¼ cup onion, 1 tablespoon garlic
Toss in chicken sausage, butternut squash, sage and orzo pasta and stir well.
16 ounces chicken sausages, 16 ounces butternut squash, 2 tablespoon fresh sage, 1.5 cups orzo pasta
Pour in hot chicken broth and stir. Cover and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes. Test for doneness - the orzo should be soft and the squash tender. If they aren’t quite tender and the pan has dried out, add a splash or two of water. Once tender, remove from heat.
Off the heat, stir in cream, greens, and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with additional parmesan if desired.
¼ cup heavy cream, 1 cup greens, ¼ cup parmesan cheese + more for garnish

Notes

Tips & Tricks

To keep the prep time really short, use minced garlic - found in the produce section. Also, use butternut squash cubes found in either the freezer or the produce department.

If the pasta isn't quite done at the 10 minute mark and the pot has dried out, add a splash or two of water, cover and cook another minute or two.

Substitutions

Instead of chicken sausage, try rotisserre chicken or even leftover shredded chicken.

In place of butternut squash, give sweet potatoes a try.

Fresh thyme is delicious in place of the sage.

Dried herbs can be used, just reduce amount by a third. Dried herbs are much more powerful than fresh.

Olive oil instead of butter is a good choice.

Kale could be used in place of spinach.

Nutrition