This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a flavorful, wholesome one-pan meal I love for busy weeknights. Tender orzo is cooked like risotto, soaking up all the savory flavor from browned chicken sausage and fresh broccoli. It’s creamy without needing cream, filling without being heavy, and always a hit at the table.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, nutritious, and packed with flavor. It comes together quickly in one skillet — fewer dishes, more satisfaction. The orzo cooks right in the pan, absorbing flavor from the sausage and broth, while the broccoli adds a fresh, tender bite. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and convenience.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken sausage (fully cooked, sliced)
- Orzo pasta
- Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lemon zest or juice (optional, for brightness)
Directions
- Cook the sausage
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced chicken sausage. I brown it on both sides, then remove it from the pan and set it aside. - Sauté onion and garlic
In the same pan, I add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion until soft. I stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add the orzo
I stir in the dry orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes. This adds a nice nutty flavor. - Add broth and simmer
I pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. - Steam the broccoli
While the orzo cooks, I steam the broccoli until tender, or I stir it directly into the pan during the last few minutes of cooking if I’m using fresh florets. If using frozen, I thaw and add them at the end. - Combine everything
I return the sausage to the pan and stir in the broccoli. I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a kick. I sometimes add a little lemon zest or juice to brighten the flavors. - Serve
I top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm, right from the pan.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes
Variations
- I use spinach or kale instead of broccoli
- I add a splash of cream or a handful of mozzarella for a creamier finish
- I use turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile
- I swap orzo with small pasta like couscous or ditalini
- I make it spicy with hot sausage and extra red pepper flakes
storage/reheating
Refrigerator: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: I freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 1 month. I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: I reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken sausage?
Yes, but I cook it fully in the skillet first, then slice and proceed as directed. Fully cooked sausage saves time, though.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. I either thaw it and stir it in at the end or cook it along with the orzo for the last 5–6 minutes.
What can I use instead of orzo?
Small pasta like pearl couscous or even rice will work — just adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. I skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish is still flavorful from the sausage and garlic alone.
How do I make it extra creamy?
I stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end. Parmesan also adds a creamy texture without actual cream.
Conclusion
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a quick, wholesome dinner that brings together simple ingredients in the most comforting way. I love how creamy and flavorful it turns out — with minimal cleanup and endless ways to customize it. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a go-to dish that never fails.
PrintChicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a one‑pan, creamy pasta dish that cooks like risotto — sweet, smoky sausage and bright broccoli combine with tender orzo for a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian‑inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 chicken sausages (pre-cooked), sliced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon zest or 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and brown both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion and sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat it in oil and aromatics.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- While orzo cooks, steam the broccoli until tender (or, if fresh, add it to the orzo in the last 3–4 minutes of cooking). If using frozen, thaw and stir in at the end.
- Return the sausage to the pan and stir in the broccoli. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest or juice if using.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use turkey sausage, Italian sausage, or a plant-based sausage substitute.
- Replace broccoli with spinach, kale, peas, or roasted vegetables.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk, cream, or a spoon of cream cheese toward the end.
- Swap orzo with small pasta shapes (like ditalini or pearl couscous); adjust liquid accordingly.
- Add fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) just before serving for brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
