Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

This chicken sausage and broccoli orzo is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but quick. It blends tender orzo pasta with savory chicken sausage and crisp broccoli all in one pot, making dinner cleanup a breeze.

I threw this together on a hectic evening once and now it's a regular at our table, especially when I want comfort without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Orzo pasta: cooks quickly and has a lovely texture similar to rice choose high quality for better bite
• Olive oil: brings richness and helps brown the sausage nicely extra virgin is best if possible
• Chicken sausage: adds a flavorful protein punch pick ones with herbs or mild spice for depth
• Broccoli florets: provide crunch and color pick firm tight crowns without yellowing
• Garlic: amps up the savoriness fresh minced garlic always beats pre-minced for aroma
• Chicken broth: is the cooking liquid use low sodium so you can control saltiness
• Italian seasoning: adds herbal notes fresh herbs work too but dried is convenient
• Salt and pepper: season everything and bring out layers of flavor
• Parmesan cheese: melts in giving creaminess and umami freshly grated is worth the extra effort
• Fresh parsley: brightens the final dish look for vibrant green leaves without wilting

Instructions

Build The Base:

In a large pot warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced chicken sausage. Cook this for about five to seven minutes, turning occasionally, until the edges are browned and caramelized. This step develops rich flavor and a lovely texture to your sausage.

Add Garlic Aroma:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you smell that inviting garlicky scent. Be careful not to let it brown too much or it will taste bitter. This garlic step layers the savory notes in your dish.

Cook Broccoli:

Add the broccoli florets straight into the pot. Toss and let them cook for two to three minutes, just enough for them to soften slightly but still hold a good bite and bright green color. This ensures your broccoli stays fresh and vibrant.

Simmer The Orzo:

Pour in the orzo pasta followed by the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture up to a boil over medium high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially to keep steam in. Let cook for 10 to 12 minutes while stirring occasionally so the orzo cooks evenly and soaks up most of the broth.

Finish With Cheese:

When the orzo is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the pasta and sausage. The cheese adds a creamy, savory finish that pulls the dish together.

Plate And Garnish:

Serve the orzo scooped into bowls and sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top. This clean green garnish cuts through the richness and adds a fresh note.

Parmesan is my favorite part because it adds so much richness without overpowering the other flavors. I remember making this for a family dinner and everyone went back for seconds because that cheesy finish makes it irresistible. The sausage works wonderfully with the tender orzo and broccoli creating a comforting one-pot dinner you can rely on anytime.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo if it thickens. Avoid overheating to keep the sausage juicy and broccoli green.

Ingredient Swaps

Try turkey or pork sausage if you prefer different flavors. Plant-based sausage works well too for a vegetarian twist. Swap broccoli for green beans or asparagus depending on the season and what you have. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a milder melt or Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.

Serving Ideas

Serve this orzo with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to add texture and freshness. A squeeze of lemon over the top brightens the whole dish, especially if you want a bit of acidity to balance the richness. Crusty bread alongside helps mop up the cheesy sauce.

This one-pot chicken sausage and broccoli orzo is a quick comforting dinner that never disappoints.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute the chicken sausage with a vegetarian option?

Yes, plant-based sausage can be used to keep the flavors hearty while making this dish vegetarian-friendly.

→ How do I know when the orzo is perfectly cooked?

Orzo is done when it’s tender but still slightly firm to the bite, usually after simmering for about 10–12 minutes.

→ What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

Moist and mild cheeses like mozzarella or provolone work well as substitutes and melt nicely into the dish.

→ Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely. Adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can enhance texture and flavor variety.

→ Is it better to cook the sausage first before adding other ingredients?

Yes, browning the chicken sausage first enhances its flavor and adds a delicious caramelized texture.