If your dinner routine feels a little tired (hello, chicken burnout), Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is about to save the day—and your sanity. This cozy, one-pan wonder brings together savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy orzo in a way that feels fancy but fits perfectly into real life. Busy workday? Hungry family? Zero patience for piles of dishes? Same here—and that’s exactly why this recipe lives on repeat in my kitchen.
As Chef Omar, I’m all about recipes that work with your life, not against it. This dish is fast, comforting, and flavorful enough to make everyone think you tried way harder than you actually did. Your secret’s safe with me
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Let’s be honest—some recipes promise a lot and deliver… meh. This one? It shows up.
- One pan, minimal cleanup (future-you says thank you)
- Hearty but balanced—protein, veggies, and carbs all playing nicely together
- Weeknight-friendly with just a handful of simple ingredients
- Comfort food vibes without feeling heavy
It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like you’ve been cooking all day—even though it came together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything standing between you and a very happy dinner table:
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
That’s it. No mystery ingredients. No extra grocery run. Just simple, dependable goodness.
How to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo (Step-by-Step)
Let’s cook—no stress, no overthinking.
1. Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until nicely browned on both sides. This builds flavor right from the start. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this step. Golden sausage = deeper flavor later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same skillet (hello, flavor!), add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Your kitchen should already be smelling amazing.
3. Add the Broccoli
Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for a few minutes until they turn bright green and just start to soften. You want tender, not mushy.
4. Stir in Orzo and Broth
Add the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Cover and Cook
Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly combined and warmed through.
7. Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently and watch the sauce turn creamy and irresistible.
Dinner? Officially handled.
Chef Omar’s Tips for Perfect Results
- Stir occasionally: Orzo likes to settle. A quick stir keeps it from sticking.
- Too thick? Add a splash of broth to loosen things up.
- Broccoli too firm? Pop the lid back on for 2 extra minutes—problem solved.
- Cheese last: Adding Parmesan at the end keeps it smooth, not grainy.
And if your orzo looks a little wild mid-cook? Don’t panic. It always comes together in the end—kind of like life.
A Little Kitchen Story
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo became a staple after one of those nights when friends showed up hungry and unannounced. I threw this together with what I had, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. Silence at the table (the good kind), empty plates, and someone asking for the recipe—that’s when I knew this one was a keeper.
Those are my favorite recipes. The accidental hits.
FAQs About Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely. Turkey sausage works great, and even plant-based sausage can step in if needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to bring it back to life.
Is this freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but orzo softens over time. If freezing, slightly undercook the pasta and reheat gently.
Can I add more veggies?
Go for it. Spinach, peas, or zucchini all play nicely with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo.
Bring This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo to Your Table Tonight
If you’re craving a dinner that’s comforting, practical, and just a little impressive, Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo checks every box. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknights feel calmer, tastier, and way more enjoyable—without adding extra work to your plate.
So grab that skillet, pour yourself something refreshing, and let this dish do what it does best: turn a regular evening into a really good one. From my kitchen to yours—happy cooking!
Keep the Good Food Vibes Going
If you loved how cozy and satisfying Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo turned out, don’t stop the delicious momentum here! These reader-favorite recipes pair beautifully with tonight’s meal and are perfect for bookmarking for later:
- Start things off with Whipped Feta and Honey—creamy, sweet-savory, and ideal for scooping with warm bread while dinner finishes cooking.
- Planning another stress-free dinner soon? Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a hands-off favorite that busy days practically beg for.
- If you’re craving something nourishing and comforting, Tuscan White Bean Soup brings cozy, veggie-packed goodness to the table.
- And for those nights when one pan is all you’ve got energy for, One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies keeps dinner fast, flavorful, and family-approved.
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out in your kitchen! Scroll down and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and a quick review—your feedback helps other home cooks and makes this community even more delicious
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a cozy one-pan dinner made with golden-browned chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy orzo cooked in savory chicken broth. It’s an easy, satisfying weeknight meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 ½ cups orzo pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the sliced chicken sausage until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Return the chicken sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
If the orzo thickens too much, add a splash of extra broth to loosen it.
This dish reheats well—add a little broth when warming leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg