Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is one of those meals that quietly saves dinner without asking for applause. It starts like many good weeknight stories do, with a skillet, a little chicken sausage, and the hopeful idea that dinner shouldn’t take forever. Then, before you know it, tender orzo, crisp broccoli, and savory sausage come together in one cozy pan. This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo feels comforting but not heavy, simple but not boring, and most importantly, it’s the kind of meal everyone actually eats without complaints.
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Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A creamy and flavorful one-pan dinner with tender orzo, savory chicken sausage, and fresh broccoli. Perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown chicken sausage, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then add orzo and stir to coat. Gradually add chicken broth and broccoli, cover, and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Return chicken sausage to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and stir in Parmesan until creamy. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add a squeeze of lemon or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Frozen broccoli can be used but should be thawed and drained first.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
Table of Contents
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo works because it balances flavor, texture, and ease all in one pan. The chicken sausage brings bold seasoning without extra effort, while broccoli adds freshness and color that keeps the dish light. Meanwhile, the orzo acts like a sponge, soaking up every savory bite. Because orzo cooks quickly, Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo feels perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients for Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
When making Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, choosing good-quality chicken sausage makes a noticeable difference. Look for fully cooked chicken sausage with mild herbs or garlic seasoning. For the broccoli, fresh florets work best, because they stay bright and tender. However, frozen broccoli can work if thawed and drained well. Using fresh ingredients helps Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo taste clean and balanced every time.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken sausage, sliced | 12 ounces |
| Onion, diced | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Orzo pasta | 1 1/2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/3 cup |
Step-by-Step Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Step 1: Cooking the Chicken Sausage
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Stir occasionally to get an even sear. Because the sausage is pre-cooked, you’re mainly focusing on flavor and color, which adds depth to the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set aside. This step ensures that your sausage stays juicy and flavorful without overcooking. For extra taste, leave a little oil in the pan to sauté the aromatics in the next step.
Step 2: Building Flavor with Orzo and Broccoli
In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then pour in the orzo pasta and stir well to coat each piece in the oil and aromatics. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Add broccoli florets on top, cover, and cook for 6–8 minutes until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This method lets the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo absorb maximum flavor while keeping the vegetables crisp yet tender.
Step 3: Finishing the Orzo Dinner
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and mix well with the orzo and broccoli. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Sprinkle 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and creamy. This finishing touch makes the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo feel indulgent while still being simple and homey. Serve immediately for a comforting weeknight meal. For tips on plating and sides, check our quick one-pan dinner recipes collection.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Sausage Orzo
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is simple, but a few common mistakes can change the texture or flavor. First, avoid overcooking the orzo—it should be tender but not mushy. Cooking it too long will make the dish gummy and heavy. Also, don’t add the broccoli too early, or it will turn soft and dull in color. Timing is key: add it toward the end so it stays bright and slightly crisp. Another common error is skipping the step of browning the chicken sausage. This step adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy. Lastly, seasoning as you go matters. Salt and pepper sprinkled at the right times enhance both the sausage and the orzo, making Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo taste balanced and savory.
How to Keep Orzo Creamy, Not Mushy
For creamy, perfectly cooked Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, use a gradual liquid absorption method. Add chicken broth in stages rather than all at once, allowing the orzo to soak up flavors evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking but not constantly, or you’ll break the pasta. Covering the pan briefly while simmering keeps moisture in and helps cook the broccoli evenly. Finishing the dish with a small amount of Parmesan cheese adds creaminess without overwhelming the flavors. Following these tips guarantees that your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo will be tender, flavorful, and visually appealing every time.
Serving and Storage Ideas
How to Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is best served straight from the skillet while warm, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of fresh parsley for color. Because this dish combines protein, pasta, and vegetables in one pan, it works perfectly as a full meal. Pair it with a simple side salad or warm garlic bread for a cozy weeknight dinner. For casual family meals, let everyone scoop their own portions, making it feel friendly and inviting. The tender orzo, flavorful sausage, and bright broccoli come together in a way that’s both satisfying and visually appealing. Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo also reheats beautifully, so it can double as a quick lunch for the next day.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is easy and keeps the dish tasting fresh. Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the orzo if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave, covering the container to retain moisture. For longer storage, Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo freezes well in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
FAQs About Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Can I Make This Orzo Recipe Ahead
Yes! Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo can be prepared ahead of time. You can cook the sausage and orzo separately, store in airtight containers, and combine just before reheating. This makes weeknight dinners quicker and stress-free.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli
Absolutely. Frozen broccoli works well if thawed and drained before adding to the orzo. To avoid soggy textures, stir it in toward the end of cooking so it heats through without losing its color or crunch.
Is Orzo Pasta or Rice
Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like rice, so while it looks like rice, it cooks like pasta. This makes Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, creating a creamy and comforting dish.
Conclusion
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is the perfect weeknight dinner because it’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With tender orzo, savory chicken sausage, and bright broccoli, it balances protein, veggies, and carbs in one cozy pan. Its versatility makes it ideal for busy families, meal prep, or even freezing for later. Small tweaks like herbs, lemon, or sun-dried tomatoes let you adjust flavors without extra fuss. Easy to make, easy to serve, and easy to enjoy, this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo will likely become a regular in your weeknight rotation. Give it a try, and it might just become your go-to one-pan comfort meal.