Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

The tender orzo pasta mingling with juicy slices of chicken sausage and crisp-tender broccoli creates a symphony of flavors in this delightful Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. As the garlic-infused olive oil coats each morsel, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before you’ve even finished your first serving. This one-pot wonder strikes the perfect balance between hearty comfort food and light, nutritious dinner—making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-worthy pasta dish with simple ingredients and easy techniques that guarantee perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is destined to become a regular in your meal rotation for so many good reasons. The rice-shaped orzo pasta provides the perfect canvas for absorbing the savory flavors from the sausage and seasonings, creating a satisfying texture that’s neither too heavy nor too light. Each forkful offers a delightful contrast between the slightly chewy pasta, the meaty bite of sausage, and the fresh crunch of just-cooked broccoli.

The convenience factor is unbeatable—everything cooks in a single pan, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your evening. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete, balanced meal that combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in one delicious package. The leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight.

Health-conscious cooks will appreciate that this orzo dinner uses lean chicken sausage instead of traditional pork varieties, significantly reducing the fat content without sacrificing flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile—suitable for both casual family dinners and impressive enough for weekend entertaining when you need a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, you’ll need:

• 1½ cups (300g) dried orzo pasta
• 12 oz (340g) chicken sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 4 cups (280g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1½ tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 3 cups (710ml) chicken broth
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

The chicken sausage is the star protein here—choose an Italian-flavored variety for the best flavor profile, though any pre-cooked chicken sausage works wonderfully. For the broccoli, fresh provides the best texture, but frozen florets will work in a pinch (just reduce the cooking time slightly). High-quality Parmesan cheese makes a noticeable difference in the final dish, so opt for freshly grated rather than pre-packaged if possible.

Pro Tips

Choose the right pan: For perfect Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, use a wide, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. This ensures even cooking of the orzo and provides enough surface area to properly brown the sausage, which is crucial for developing rich flavor throughout the dish. The wider surface also helps the broccoli cook evenly without becoming mushy.

Perfect the liquid ratio: The key to perfectly cooked orzo is using the right amount of liquid. Start with the recommended 3 cups of broth, but keep extra warm broth nearby. Different brands of orzo absorb liquid differently, so you might need to add an additional ¼ cup if the pasta isn’t quite tender when the liquid is absorbed. Check the orzo’s texture frequently during the final minutes of cooking.

Master the broccoli timing: For bright green, crisp-tender broccoli that retains its nutrients, add it to the pan during the last 3-4 minutes of the orzo’s cooking time. This prevents the common problem of overcooked, mushy broccoli. If you prefer softer broccoli, add it a minute or two earlier. Remember that residual heat will continue cooking the broccoli even after you remove the pan from heat, so it’s better to err on the side of undercooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on both sides. The caramelization adds incredible flavor to your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, so don’t rush this step! Remove the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Keep stirring to prevent the garlic from burning, which would give the dish a bitter taste.

Step 3: Add the dry orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat with the garlic oil. Toast the orzo for about 1 minute—this simple step enhances the pasta’s nutty flavor and helps it maintain better texture when cooked. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point!

Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and add ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add the broccoli florets on top of the orzo (don’t stir yet), then return the browned sausage to the pan, placing it on top of the broccoli. Cover again and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender and the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Remove from heat and gently fold everything together. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed—the flavors should be vibrant and well-balanced.

Step 7: Let the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo stand uncovered for 2 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese just before bringing to the table.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo by adding ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives, and 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano with the broth, and finish with fresh basil instead of parsley. This variation highlights the versatility of the broccoli orzo base while introducing bright Mediterranean flavors.

Vegetarian Version: Create a meatless alternative by omitting the chicken sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and 1 diced red bell pepper when you would normally brown the sausage. For protein, stir in 1 can of rinsed and drained cannellini beans during the final few minutes of cooking. The beans add a creamy texture that complements the broccoli and orzo beautifully.

Spicy Lemon Garlic: For heat lovers, double the red pepper flakes and add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Increase the lemon juice to the juice of 1½ lemons and add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest. This variation intensifies the garlic and lemon notes in the original broccoli orzo recipe, creating a bright, zesty profile that stands up wonderfully to the savory chicken sausage.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture, as the orzo will continue absorbing liquid as it sits. Microwave on 70% power, stirring halfway through, or gently reheat on the stovetop with a little added liquid.

For an elegant presentation, serve this orzo dish in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and lemon wedges on the side. It makes a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Transform leftovers into a delicious lunch by serving the orzo cold as a pasta salad—just add a handful of fresh spinach and a quick drizzle of olive oil to refresh the flavors. For a heartier dinner presentation, consider serving smaller portions of the broccoli orzo alongside roasted chicken thighs or grilled fish for a restaurant-worthy meal.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo? Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well in this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo recipe. Adjust cooking time according to package instructions, as these may require more liquid and longer cooking than orzo.

Is pre-cooked or raw chicken sausage better for this recipe? Pre-cooked chicken sausage is recommended for ease and safety. If using raw sausage, remove the casings first and ensure it’s fully cooked before proceeding with the recipe, which will add about 5 minutes to your cooking time.

Can I freeze this dish? Yes, the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo freezes reasonably well for up to 2 months, though the broccoli may become slightly softer upon thawing. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

How do I adjust if my orzo is too dry or has too much liquid? If too dry, add warm broth 2 tablespoons at a time until reaching desired consistency. If too wet, simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes, or stir in an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese to absorb excess liquid.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Spinach, asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini all work beautifully in this versatile orzo dish. Add harder vegetables like peppers with the broccoli, and more delicate ones like spinach in the final minute of cooking.

Conclusion

This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of creamy pasta, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables that delivers big flavor without hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special meals, impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for Tuesday night dinner. The one-pot preparation makes it accessible even on your busiest days, while the balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs leaves everyone feeling satisfied without weighing them down. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this orzo recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire.

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