Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a one-pot dinner that comes together fast and tastes like something you spent way more time making. Savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and orzo pasta all cook together in a rich, garlicky broth until the whole pot turns creamy and satisfying. I threw this together on a Tuesday after a long carpool run, and it was on the table in under 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
I keep these ingredients stocked on a regular basis because this recipe earns its spot in our weekly dinner rotation. Everything is easy to grab at any grocery store, and the combination works beautifully every single time.
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked) — I recommend a good Italian brand; it holds its shape without turning mushy
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage (sliced into rounds) — my preference is herb-infused or sweet Italian style; they both add great depth without overpowering the dish
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) — in my experience, fresh broccoli gives the best bite, but frozen works just as well on a rushed night
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth — I usually go low-sodium so I can control the salt myself
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) — pre-grated works fine but fresh melts smoother into the broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, the key to a deeply flavorful chicken sausage and broccoli orzo is taking your time on the sausage browning step. Do not rush it. That golden crust is where all the flavor starts.
Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway, until both sides are a deep golden brown. Resist the urge to stir too much — you want a crust, not a steam.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Watch it closely here because garlic burns fast and turns bitter.
Step 3: Toss in the broccoli florets and stir to coat them in the drippings. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and starts to soften slightly.
Step 4: Add the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir every 3 to 4 minutes to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom. The orzo is ready when it is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and creamy. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Pro tip: If the orzo looks too thick before serving, stir in a splash of warm broth to loosen it up. Orzo continues absorbing liquid as it sits, so do not panic if leftovers look dense.
What to Serve with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
This dish is hearty on its own, but the right sides add a fresh contrast in texture and brightness that really rounds out the meal. Here are my favorite pairings.
Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: The peppery greens and tangy dressing cut right through the richness of the orzo and balance the savory sausage perfectly. A light, easy side that takes two minutes to toss together.
Easy Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Orzo: If you are an orzo lover like me, this balsamic-glazed variation is a must-try for your next weeknight. It shares the same one-pan ease with a completely different flavor profile.
Warm Crusty Bread: Great for scooping up the creamy broth left at the bottom of the bowl. A good sourdough or Italian loaf works especially well here.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: If your family loves bold, saucy pasta nights, this Cajun pasta is another weeknight hero worth bookmarking alongside this recipe.
Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans: A simple, protein-packed side that pairs naturally with the Italian flavors in this orzo and adds a satisfying crunch to the plate.
Garlic Bread: Always a crowd-pleaser. The buttery, garlicky flavor echoes the Italian seasoning in the orzo and makes the whole meal feel extra comforting.
Crisp White Wine: A glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the savory sausage without competing with the Parmesan. A nice touch for a Friday night dinner.
Storing and Reheating Your Orzo
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will thicken as it sits because it continues to absorb liquid, which is completely normal.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the texture. Warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Pro tip: This dish is great for meal prep. Portion it into individual containers right after cooking and you have ready-to-go lunches for the next few days. If you enjoy make-ahead pasta meals, you might also love this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole for your next batch cook session.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes. Small shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe work well as substitutes. Cook times may vary slightly, so check for doneness and adjust the broth amount as needed.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply skip the Parmesan or swap it with a dairy-free alternative. The dish is still savory and satisfying without it thanks to the seasoned broth and sausage.
What kind of chicken sausage works best in this recipe?
Any fully cooked chicken sausage works great. Sweet Italian, herb-infused, and smoky varieties all bring something delicious to the pot. Pick whatever your family enjoys most. Spicy sausage also works if you like a little heat.
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway, until both sides are deep golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant and just turning golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Add broccoli florets and stir to coat in the pan drippings. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and beginning to soften.
- Add the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir every 3 to 4 minutes to prevent sticking. The orzo is ready when tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and creamy. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
