Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero that manages to be both comforting and light at the same time. This one-pot wonder combines tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and fresh broccoli in a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
I created this recipe on a busy Monday when I needed something quick but didn’t want to sacrifice nutrition or flavor. The result? A perfectly balanced meal that comes together in about 45 minutes and has since become a regular in our dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This
- One-pot recipe means minimal cleanup
- Perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables in every bite
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
- Customizable with whatever vegetables you have on hand
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken sausage, cut into half-inch pieces
- 1 cup dried orzo pasta
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned on both sides. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the same skillet. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir it around for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for 8 minutes.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and nestle the browned sausage back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir, cover again, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the orzo has soaked up most of the broth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- Swap chicken sausage for Italian sausage or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile
- Add a handful of cherry tomatoes in the last 2 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and acidity
- For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup of cream cheese along with the Parmesan
- Make it vegetarian by using plant-based sausage and vegetable broth
- If broccoli isn’t your thing, try asparagus, zucchini, or spinach instead
- For meal prep, make a double batch—this reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is essentially a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a perfect companion. For a more substantial dinner, serve with warm, crusty bread for sopping up any remaining sauce.
If you’re entertaining, consider starting with a light appetizer like bruschetta or a small cheese board to complement the main dish without overwhelming your guests before the star of the show arrives.
Notes
- The orzo is done when it’s tender but still has a slight bite (al dente)
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the pasta as it will continue to absorb liquid as it sits
- The dish will thicken as it cools—this is normal and actually enhances the flavors
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Add frozen broccoli in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking since it doesn’t need as much time to become tender.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the orzo with gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta shape. Just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best made fresh, but you can prep all ingredients in advance. Cook the sausage and onions, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, continue from the orzo-adding step, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth works just as well. In a pinch, you can use water with a bouillon cube or even plain water with extra seasoning to taste.
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