Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo – Quick & Easy One-Pot Dinner

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is the kind of weeknight dinner you whip up when you’re tired, hungry, and totally over doing dishes. It’s hearty, healthy(ish), and surprisingly full of flavor for how low-maintenance it is. With the savory bite of chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and orzo pasta simmered in rich chicken broth and topped with Parmesan—this one-pot wonder is basically comfort food without the food coma.

In the middle of a chaotic evening (homework meltdowns, 15 browser tabs open at once, or just your own mental tab overload), Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo steps up and says, “Hey, dinner doesn’t have to be hard.” You don’t need a culinary degree or 16 spice jars to pull this off—just a pan, some pantry staples, and 30 minutes.

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What is Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo?

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is exactly what it sounds like—a satisfying one-skillet dish that brings together protein-packed chicken sausage, fresh green broccoli, and small, rice-shaped pasta called orzo. What makes this combo so darn craveable is how everything cooks together in a cozy bath of chicken broth.

The orzo soaks up all those savory flavors like a little sponge, the broccoli gets just-tender (no sad mush here), and the sausage adds a smoky, garlicky punch. It’s a little Italian, a little rustic, and totally adaptable. Toss it with extra veggies, spice it up with chili flakes, or throw in a squeeze of lemon to brighten it. Think of this as the cousin to your favorite risotto—but way easier and without all the stirring.

Reasons to Try Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

First, let’s be honest—cooking on a Monday (or any chaotic weeknight) needs to be as easy as hitting “skip intro” on Netflix. Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo checks all the boxes: it’s quick, uses just one pan (bless), and even picky eaters usually go back for seconds. If you’ve got a fridge full of half-used veggies or a chicken sausage pack hanging out in the back like it’s lost its purpose—this dish brings them back to life.

It’s also lighter than your average pasta dish, thanks to the lean protein and green veggie action. And bonus: it reheats like a dream, so tomorrow’s lunch is already sorted. Whether you’re feeding toddlers, teens, or just yourself with a glass of wine, this meal shows up and gets it done.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo—no guesswork, no stress, just one skillet and a delicious meal at the end of it. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or just short on time, these clear and detailed steps will help you nail this recipe every single time. Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage for Flavor

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan—give it space to brown). Let it cook for about 4–5 minutes, flipping once to get a nice golden crust on both sides. This is where the flavor party starts—the caramelized bits at the bottom of the pan? Gold. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.

Quick Tip: If your sausage has a casing that’s a bit tough, feel free to remove it before cooking. Looking for sausage swaps? Try spicy turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative for a twist. For more ideas, check out this roundup of easy sausage swaps.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic Until Fragrant

Using the same skillet (because we’re keeping dishes to a minimum here), add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions turn translucent and the garlic smells downright amazing.

This step builds a flavorful base for the orzo to absorb later. It’s a small moment, but it makes a big difference. If you love building flavor this way, you might enjoy the method used in our spicy shrimp ramen recipe too.

Step 3: Toss in the Broccoli Florets

Next, add the broccoli florets directly into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes, just enough for the broccoli to brighten up and start to soften, but not turn mushy.

Step by step, this is where texture matters—you want the broccoli tender-crisp so it holds its shape and adds that fresh green pop to the dish. If your florets are super thick, feel free to slice them smaller to help them cook more evenly.

For picky eaters or kiddos who “don’t do green stuff,” you can finely chop the broccoli and stir it in like a stealthy vegetable ninja.

Step 4: Stir in the Orzo and Pour in the Broth

Now, stir in the dry orzo pasta. Let it toast for just 1–2 minutes to give it a nuttier flavor (kind of like you would with risotto rice). Then pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice to make sure the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Orzo cooks faster than traditional pasta, and in this step-by-step method, the broth not only cooks the pasta but infuses it with loads of flavor. If you’re ever out of broth, water works in a pinch—just adjust the seasoning later.

Want to make your own broth or go low-sodium? See our homemade broth tips for easy options.

Step 5: Add the Sausage Back In and Combine

Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the lid and stir the cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet. Mix it well so the sausage gets cozy with the pasta and broccoli. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes so it’s all heated through.

This step-by-step reintegration brings the whole dish together. It’s where the flavors meld and you get that beautiful balance of savory sausage, creamy pasta, and fresh greens.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Season to Taste

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. The cheese will melt into the orzo, giving the dish a rich, creamy finish. Taste it before adding salt—between the broth and Parmesan, you might not need much. A few cracks of black pepper go a long way here too.

If you want to punch up the flavor, a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes is totally fair game. And for extra creamy vibes, toss in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream—just like we do in our creamy roasted garlic and cauliflower soup.

And that’s it! Dinner is served.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling extra, top each plate with a little more Parmesan and maybe even a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs. Because you’re fancy like that.

What to Serve with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

This dish is pretty much a full meal on its own—carbs, protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness all in one—but if you’re feeling extra or feeding a crowd, here are some tasty sides. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette brings a fresh contrast, and a crusty piece of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the last bites. A glass of chilled white wine doesn’t hurt either (just saying). Want to double down on comfort? Try pairing it with a cozy soup like this easy Thai chicken curry soup or a creamy roasted veggie number. It’s also great next to a lighter side like cucumber salad or marinated tomatoes if you’re keeping things cool and simple.

Key Tips for Making Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Here’s how to keep your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo turning out great every time. First—don’t overcook the broccoli. Pull it off the heat while it’s still bright green. Nobody’s craving mushy florets. Second, use a good-quality chicken sausage. If it’s seasoned with garlic, fennel, or Italian herbs, it’ll add even more flavor to the dish. Third—stir the orzo occasionally as it cooks. Orzo loves to stick to the bottom of the pan like it’s trying to make a new home there. And finally—taste before you salt. Chicken broth and Parmesan already bring the salt, so you might not need much extra.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Leftovers? Oh yes. Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo stores like a champ. Pop any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, a splash of broth or water can help loosen it up again (orzo tends to soak up everything in sight). Microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring between, or warm it gently on the stove. You can even freeze it, though the texture of the broccoli may change a bit. If freezing, go ahead and portion it out so it’s easy to grab-and-go. Lunch just got way less boring.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage? Totally. Turkey sausage, spicy Italian, or even plant-based options all work. Just adjust seasonings to match.
What can I use instead of orzo? Small pasta like ditalini or couscous works well. Just keep an eye on cook times.
Can I make it dairy-free? Yup—just skip the Parmesan or sub in a dairy-free version.
Is this recipe kid-friendly? Most kids love the mild sausage and cheesy pasta, and the broccoli kind of blends in. Score!
Can I add more veggies? Go for it. Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes all play nicely here.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together—even when you definitely do not. It’s fast, comforting, and adaptable enough to suit whatever you’ve got in the fridge. You can dress it up for date night or dish it out for the family on a hectic Tuesday. The best part? One skillet, zero stress. If you loved this recipe, don’t miss other easy meals like chicken thighs and potatoes or crockpot cheesesteak casserole. Trust me—this orzo is just the start.

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