The sizzle of sausage in a hot pan gets me every time. Toss in garlic, a splash of broth, and warm orzo soaking it all upand boom, dinner’s happening. This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe is everything I love in one cozy dish: flavor-packed, veggie-rich, and done fast. No wonder it’s becoming a new weeknight favorite.
We’re talking tender orzo, golden-browned chicken sausage, and broccoli that still has a little bite. It’s creamy without any cream, thanks to the starch from the pasta. Kinda like a simple chicken sausage pastabut lighter, brighter, and all done in one pot. Nothing fancy herejust pantry staples, quick cook time, and zero side dishes needed.
I first made this in spring 2021, right after a grocery run turned up too much broccoli and a buy-one-get-one sausage deal. My neighbor stopped by mid-simmer and said it smelled like an Italian deli. Tip I picked up that day? Stir in the orzo dry, before the brothit soaks up way more flavor that way. After 10+ years teaching home cooks, dinners like this are still the ones folks email me about most.
Joe Rooney
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe You Will Love
Enjoy this easy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe, a flavorful and family friendly dinner that combines tender chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and creamy orzo. Perfect as a one pot orzo recipe, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that everyone will love.
In a large skillet, cook the chicken sausage slices until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets and cook until slightly tender.
Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is cooked through.
Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and mix well.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm and enjoy your easy chicken sausage dinner.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like parsley. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe
One pot magic: Fewer dishes, more smiles! This simple one-pot meal keeps cleanup simple.
Cozy meets healthy: With chicken sausage and broccoli, this dish is comforting yet balanceda perfect mix of flavor and nutrition for a family-friendly dinner.
Quick and forgiving: Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy chicken sausage dinner fits even the busiest weeknight.
Versatile ingredients: Pantry staples like orzo and broth become something special, and you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s talk about what makes this broccoli orzo recipe so irresistible:
Chicken Sausage: Adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor and packs in lean protein, making it a hearty and healthy choice.
Broccoli: Bright, tender-crisp florets bring veggie goodness and pair beautifully with the orzo.
Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta absorbs all that rich chicken broth, making this dish wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that form the flavorful foundation for this dish, adding depth and aroma.
Chicken Broth: The unsung hero here, infusing the orzo with warm, savory flavor. It’s what makes this simple chicken sausage pasta so comforting.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this golden goodness ties everything together with salty, creamy richness.
Ingredient
Swap Ideas
Chicken Sausage
Substitute with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
Broccoli
Try cauliflower florets or asparagus if you’re out of broccoli.
Chicken Broth
Vegetable stock works just as well for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Ready to cook? Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo:
Sauté the sausage: In a large skillet, brown the chicken sausage slices over medium heat. Remove and set aside. This creates a golden, flavorful base!
Build the flavor: Using the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. This simple duo adds incredible depth.
Cook the broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and cook until they’re just tender but still a little crisp.
Add the orzo and broth: Stir in the dry orzo and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, allowing the orzo to begin absorbing the savory liquid.
Simmer and finish: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let the orzo cook (about 10–12 minutes) until tender. Add the sausage back, sprinkle with Parmesan, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step
Time
Brown the sausage
5 minutes
Sauté garlic and onion
3 minutes
Cook broccoli
5 minutes
Simmer orzo
10–12 minutes
Serving and Storage Tips
This broccoli pasta recipe is perfect fresh off the stove, but it’s just as good reheated for leftovers. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Serve with zest: Add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better overnight!
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the orzo creamy, or use the microwave in 30-second bursts.
Expert Insight: Balancing Flavors and Nutrition
Chicken sausage combined with broccoli and orzo creates a nutrient-rich dish that balances protein, fiber, and complex carbs. This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe is ideal for a quick, satisfying meal that supports muscle health and provides essential vitamins, all while delivering comforting, savory flavors.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Perfecting My Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe
This chicken sausage and broccoli orzo recipe took several rounds to balance the flavors just right. Early on, I learned that undercooking the broccoli left too much bite, but now it’s perfectly tender and cozy, making this dish a reliable weeknight favorite born from plenty of kitchen experiments and family taste tests.
FAQs ( Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe )
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this meal keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. This makes it a great option for quick lunches or dinners during your busy week.
What are good substitutes for broccoli in this dish?
You can swap broccoli with other green vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or spinach. These options maintain the meal’s freshness and add a nice color contrast. Adjust cooking times slightly to keep vegetables crisp but tender.
How do I prevent orzo from sticking together?
Cook orzo in plenty of boiling water and stir occasionally during cooking. After draining, rinse it briefly under warm water or toss with a little olive oil to keep the grains separate. This ensures the pasta stays light and perfect for mixing with the sausage and broccoli.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken sausage for this meal?
Absolutely. Pre-cooked sausage can save timejust slice and add it during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. This keeps the flavors fresh while speeding up your dinner prep.
Is this stir-fry healthy for family dinners?
This recipe balances protein, veggies, and carbs making it a nutritious family-friendly dinner. Using lean chicken sausage and fresh broccoli adds vitamins and fiber, while orzo provides satisfying energy. It’s a wholesome option that’s quick to prepare and appeals across ages.
Conclusion
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe is a true weeknight heroready in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss and a lovely balance of tender orzo, savory sausage, and crisp broccoli. You’ll love how the flavors meld into a comforting, healthy one pot meal that’s perfect for busy kitchens and family dinners alike.
Feel free to swap chicken sausage for turkey or plant-based options, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Leftovers keep well in the fridgejust reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep the orzo creamy. This simple chicken sausage pasta is flexible, forgiving, and full of flavorjust the kind of dependable recipe you wanna keep in your rotation.
Give it a try and share your tweaks or photos! Did your family dig into this as much as mine did? Pass it along to a friend who needs a quick, wholesome dinnerbecause good food, like this broccoli pasta recipe, always brings people closer in the kitchen and at the table.
