Name: Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups orzo pasta; 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Get ready to fall in love with a new weeknight hero: Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. This dish wraps up everything we crave in a dinner — hearty comfort, lively flavors, and a beautiful array of textures — with barely any fuss. Quick-cooking orzo pasta mingles with juicy chicken sausage and tender, vibrant broccoli, all simmered together in a flavorful broth and finished with plenty of Parmesan. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy nights but delivers a level of satisfaction that feels worthy of a weekend celebration.

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is how each simple ingredient makes a noticeable impact, from the creamy pasta to the herby seasonings and the pop of bright green broccoli. Gathering these basics guarantees a lively and delicious meal every time.

Orzo pasta: These small, rice-shaped noodles cook quickly and soak up all the savory flavors, creating a creamy and satisfying base.
Olive oil: Helps brown the sausages and build the foundation for flavor — use extra-virgin if you can for a richer taste.
Chicken sausage: Sliced and pan-seared, it brings juicy bites of protein and a touch of spice or herbs, depending on the variety you choose.
Broccoli florets: Their fresh, green color and slight crunch add both nutrition and visual appeal to the finished dish.
Garlic: Just a few cloves transform the aroma and add savory depth to each forkful.
Chicken broth: Not only does it cook the pasta, but it infuses every bite with rich, savory flavor.
Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings in subtle herbal notes and rounds everything out.
Salt and pepper: The finishing touch to balance and enhance all the other ingredients — season to taste!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds creamy, salty richness that melts beautifully into the orzo.
Fresh parsley: A little sprinkle on top for freshness, color, and just the right touch of herbal lift.

How to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your sliced chicken sausage and sauté until it gets golden and caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step releases tons of flavor and sets up the savory base for your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo.

Step 2: Add Garlic for Fragrance

Toss in the minced garlic and give everything a good stir. Cook until the garlic instantly perfumes your kitchen, which only takes about a minute. This quick step makes a world of difference in flavor intensity.

Step 3: Toss In the Broccoli

Next, stir in the broccoli florets. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a bright green and start to soften while still holding a bit of crunch. This way, they’ll maintain their texture and color in the finished dish.

Step 4: Simmer With Orzo and Broth

Pour in the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and don’t forget a dash of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every now and then. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid will be absorbed, making a luscious, slightly creamy mixture.

Step 5: Finish With Parmesan Cheese

Once it’s off the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt smoothly, making each bite of your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo extra creamy and luxurious. Serve it hot, topped with a flourish of fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish.

How to Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Garnishes

Top each bowl of Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a scattering of chopped fresh parsley. If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Even a drizzle of good olive oil over the top can be a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can’t go wrong serving it with a crisp green salad, some garlic bread, or roasted asparagus. Light, fresh sides balance the creamy richness of the orzo beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo in shallow bowls, family-style on a big platter, or even scooped into individual ramekins for a dinner party. For an extra-special touch, serve with lemon wedges so everyone can squeeze a bit of brightness over their own portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making next-day lunches or dinners extra delicious.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results — just note the pasta may soften a bit in texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up and restore the creamy consistency. Stir well as you heat and top with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan and herbs just before serving to bring the dish back to life.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can swap in turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you’d like. Just choose one with flavors you enjoy, and cook until browned before moving on with the recipe.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten free?

Yes, simply substitute the regular orzo with a gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta shape. The rest of the ingredients for Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo are naturally gluten free.

What can I substitute for broccoli?

If broccoli isn’t your favorite, feel free to use chopped asparagus, zucchini, or even spinach. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the vegetable so it stays bright and tender.

Can I make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo ahead of time?

You sure can! Prepare the dish as directed, let it cool, and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently and freshen up with a bit more broth and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

What other cheese would work in this recipe?

Parmesan offers a classic salty finish, but you can also use Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor or even a touch of fresh mozzarella stirred in at the end for extra creaminess.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying meal that manages to be both effortless and completely crave-worthy, give Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo a try. It’s packed with punchy flavor, fills you up without feeling heavy, and works for any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to discover just how comforting and versatile this dish can be — I have a feeling it’ll quickly become a favorite at your table too!