There’s something deeply satisfying about a one-pot meal that delivers comfort, flavor, and nutrition in about 30 minutes. Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo has become my weeknight lifesaver when everyone’s hungry and time is short. The first time I made this dish, I was skeptical that something so simple could taste this good, but watching the orzo absorb all those savory flavors from the browned sausage and garlic proved me wrong.
I still remember the evening I desperately needed dinner after my daughter’s soccer practice ran late. I threw together what I had in my fridge: some chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo, and this beautiful one-pot wonder was born. The beauty of Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is that it’s incredibly forgiving and adapts to whatever you have on hand. Whether you use spicy Italian sausage or a milder herb variety, fresh or frozen broccoli, this recipe delivers. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
I always start with quality chicken sausage for this recipe because it’s the flavor foundation. Aidells and Trader Joe’s both offer amazing varieties that brown beautifully. For the best results, choose fully cooked chicken sausage as it cuts down on cooking time and ensures food safety. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin adds better flavor)
- 12 oz chicken sausage (fully cooked, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds) Italian-style or sun-dried tomato are my favorites
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) fresh holds its texture better, but frozen works in a pinch
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium gives you better control over salt)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Use a 4-quart or larger heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution. This prevents the orzo from sticking to the bottom, a lesson I learned the hard way.
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until you see golden-brown caramelized edges on both sides. These browned bits add incredible depth to the dish, so don’t rush this step.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. If your garlic starts turning golden too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The florets should turn bright green and barely start to soften. They’ll continue cooking in the next step. If using frozen broccoli, add an extra 30 seconds for thawing.
Step 4: Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Cover the pot and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender and the mixture creamy with just a little liquid remaining, not soupy, but not dry either.
Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted. The residual heat creates a silky coating that clings to every piece. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best texture.
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
This hearty one-pot meal pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides that complement its rich, savory flavors.
Simple Arugula Salad: The peppery bite of fresh arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the Parmesan and sausage. Try this Protein-Packed Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet for another quick dinner idea that pairs well with greens.
Garlic Bread or Crusty Italian Bread: Nothing beats soaking up the flavorful broth with warm, crusty bread. It adds satisfying textural contrast to the tender orzo.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For an all-green vegetable dinner, roasted Brussels sprouts add a nutty, caramelized flavor that pairs wonderfully with Italian seasonings.
Light Soup Starter: Begin your meal with a bowl of High-Protein Butternut Squash Soup for a cozy, well-rounded dinner.
Steamed Green Beans with Lemon: Simple steamed green beans finished with fresh lemon juice add brightness and nutrition without competing with the main dish’s flavors.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftover Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth before sealing to keep the orzo from drying out as it absorbs liquid.
When reheating, add another splash of chicken broth or water to restore the creamy consistency. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, or warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. Stovetop reheating gives you better control over texture.
This recipe works wonderfully for meal prep. You can also swap the chicken sausage for turkey sausage, or add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to customize it. For a protein boost similar to this High-Protein Turkey Pasta with Ricotta, add an extra 4 oz of sausage.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo for this recipe?
While orzo works best because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. Adjust cooking time according to package directions and add extra broth as the pasta cooks, about 1/2 cup more.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap regular orzo for gluten-free orzo (available at most grocery stores) and ensure your chicken sausage is certified gluten-free. The cooking method stays exactly the same with equally delicious results.
What’s the best way to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot?
Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution and stir every 3 minutes during simmering. If you notice it getting too thick, add a splash of broth. The 3 cups of liquid (not 2.5 cups) is crucial for preventing sticking.
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a 4-quart or larger pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden-brown caramelized edges form on both sides.
- Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn bright green and barely start to soften.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender and the mixture creamy with just a little liquid remaining.
- Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Conclusion
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo proves that delicious, nutritious family dinners don’t need to be complicated. With just one pot, simple ingredients, and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. The combination of savory sausage, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables creates comfort in every bite. Give this recipe a try tonight. It’ll quickly become part of your regular weeknight rotation!
