Spinach & Feta Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake for Busy Nights

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 5 p.m., hoping dinner will magically appear? You want something comforting, a meal that feels like a warm hug, but you don’t have hours to spend. That’s where this beauty comes in. This Spinach & Feta Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake is a one-pan wonder that combines savory chicken sausage, creamy feta, tender orzo pasta, and fresh spinach, all baked together in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce. It’s the kind of hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings everyone to the table without keeping you tied to the stove all evening. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach & Feta Bake

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First off, it’s incredibly easy. You do a little bit of quick stovetop browning, then let your oven do the heavy lifting. That means less active time for you and more time to actually relax. It’s also a complete meal all by itself—protein, veg, and carbs are all in there, cozying up together. The flavors are just incredible. The salty, tangy feta melts into the sauce, the sausage brings a robust savoriness, and the orzo soaks up every bit of that deliciousness. So good. And the best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser. Your family will gobble it up, and you’ll love how simple it was to make.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
• 1 package (12 oz) pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced into rounds: Provides hearty, savory protein.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential punch of flavor.
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: The star starch that cooks perfectly in the sauce.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Brings a smoky, sweet tomato base.
• 2 cups chicken broth: The liquid that the orzo cooks in for maximum flavor.
• 4 cups fresh spinach: Wilted in at the end for a pop of color and nutrients.
• 4 oz block feta cheese, crumbled: Adds creamy, salty bites throughout.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: For classic Italian seasoning.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: To season everything perfectly.

Step by Step Method

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, until nicely browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet. Stir it around for about a minute to toast it slightly—this gives it a wonderful nutty flavor.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor! Stir in the dried oregano and black pepper. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
6. Carefully stir the browned sausage back into the skillet. Let everything simmer together for just 2 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach until it just starts to wilt. Crumble the block of feta cheese evenly over the top of the entire mixture.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 18-20 minutes. The bake is done when the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
9. Remove the skillet from the oven (remember that handle is hot!) and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This lets the sauce thicken up perfectly.

Equipment Needed for Cooking

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is part of its charm. A large, oven-safe skillet is the true MVP here. A 12-inch cast-iron or stainless steel skillet works perfectly. You’ll also need a standard chef’s knife for prepping your onion and garlic, a cutting board, and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. That’s really it! Using just one pan means fewer dishes to wash later, and who doesn’t love that?

Flavor Twists for the Orzo Bake

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Craving a little heat? Swap the plain chicken sausage for a spicy jalapeño variety or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the oregano. For a creamier finish, stir in a 1/4 cup of heavy cream or plain Greek yogurt right after it comes out of the oven. If you’re a mushroom lover, sauté some sliced creminis with the onions. And if you want to play with other Chicken Orzo Recipes Healthy ideas, try swapping half the spinach for sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean vibe. The possibilities are endless!

Storage Tips for Leftovers

Leftovers are almost better the next day, as the flavors have more time to mingle. Let the bake cool completely before storing. It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, the best method is on the stovetop. Add a small splash of water or broth to a saucepan with the leftovers to loosen the sauce back up, and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave single portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the dairy in the feta can make the texture a bit grainy upon thawing.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a little something on the side never hurts. A simple, crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is the perfect fresh contrast to the rich, baked orzo. A few slices of warm, crusty garlic bread are fantastic for scooping up any leftover sauce. And if you’re serving a crowd, this pairs beautifully with other simple Chicken Sausage Dinner Ideas like roasted asparagus or broccoli. For a drink, a glass of iced tea or a crisp sparkling water with lemon is just right.

Doneness Test for Chicken Sausage

Since we’re using pre-cooked chicken sausage, the goal here isn’t to cook it through but to brown it and heat it. You’ll know it’s ready when the slices have beautiful golden-brown sear marks on each side and are heated all the way through. The internal temperature should read 165°F if you want to check with a thermometer, but visual cues are usually just fine for something that’s already cooked.

FAQs About Spinach & Feta Chicken Sausage Bake

• Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You could use a smoked turkey sausage or even try it with your favorite Italian Sausage Orzo Recipes in mind—just brown it the same way.
• My orzo is still a little hard after baking. What should I do? No worries! All brands and ovens are a little different. Just add another 1/4 cup of warm broth to the skillet, cover it with foil, and pop it back in the oven for 5-7 more minutes.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare everything through Step 6 (right before baking), cover the skillet, and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours. When you’re ready, you’ll just need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time since you’re starting with a cold skillet.
• Is this similar to a Sausage Orzo Skillet? It’s very similar! The main difference is the final bake in the oven, which gives the top a lovely texture and helps the orzo cook evenly in the sauce without you having to stir it.

Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable weeknight hero, this Spinach & Feta Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake is sure to become a fast favorite in your rotation.