Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo – A Cozy One-Pan Comfort Dinner

It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day — quick to make, packed with flavor, and easy to clean up afterward. This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a wholesome, one-pan dinner that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Tender orzo pasta soaks up all the savory goodness from browned chicken sausage, while crisp-tender broccoli adds a burst of freshness. The combination is both cozy and energizing, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort without the fuss.

Imagine this: sizzling sausage slices caramelizing in olive oil, garlic perfuming the kitchen, and a skillet full of golden orzo that simmers gently until creamy and tender. It’s a complete meal with protein, veggies, and grains — all in one pan.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into coins
• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus zest of ½ lemon)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
2. Toast the Orzo: In the same pan, add the orzo and stir to coat with the sausage drippings and oil. Toast for about 2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
4. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is bright green and soft.
6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and butter (if using). Mix until creamy and well combined.
7. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Tricks:

• Use pre-cooked chicken sausage for the fastest prep time.
• If you like extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
• Swap broccoli for spinach, kale, or peas — they all blend beautifully.

Variations:

• Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta for a bright flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian chicken sausage and toss in crushed chili flakes.
• Cheesy Comfort: Stir in shredded mozzarella or a touch of fontina for a gooier, richer texture.

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

A cozy, one-pan pasta dish made with tender orzo, savory chicken sausage, and bright broccoli for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth low sodium
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice plus zest
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter optional
• to taste salt and black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Grater

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the sliced chicken sausage for 5–7 minutes.
2. Remove sausage and toast orzo in the drippings until lightly golden.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, simmer for 8 minutes, then add broccoli.
5. Continue cooking until orzo and broccoli are tender.
6. Stir in sausage, Parmesan, lemon juice, and butter; mix until creamy.
7. Season, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

A one-pan dinner that’s rich, hearty, and easy to customize with your favorite veggies.

Serving Suggestions:
This dish shines on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or crusty garlic bread. It also pairs well with a crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade for a light, refreshing dinner combination.

Storage Information:
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and warm it over low heat. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months — perfect for future meal prep nights.

FAQ:
Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells work well.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely — swap chicken sausage for plant-based sausage or chickpeas for protein.

What if I don’t have fresh broccoli?
Frozen broccoli works perfectly; just add it a few minutes earlier so it cooks through.

History / Fun Facts:
Did you know that “orzo” means “barley” in Italian, even though it’s actually made from wheat? It’s often used in soups, but when cooked risotto-style — like in this dish — it transforms into a creamy, satisfying base. Chicken sausage, on the other hand, has gained popularity as a lighter alternative to pork, offering flavor and protein with less fat. Combining the two creates a modern twist on classic Italian comfort food.

There’s something special about meals that balance ease and flavor. This one captures that beautifully — a golden skillet full of orzo, sausage, and greens that you can set on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s hearty enough for family dinner and impressive enough for guests. Most importantly, it tastes like a weeknight win.