Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a flavorful and easy one-pot dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. With savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli florets, and creamy orzo pasta, this dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
The beauty of orzo is that it cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors of the broth, herbs, and sausage. Combined with the freshness of broccoli and a sprinkle of Parmesan, you get a balanced dish that’s rich, satisfying, and family-friendly. Plus, since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is a breeze.
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chicken sausage slices and cook 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pot, add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook Orzo
- Stir in orzo pasta and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
- Stir in broccoli florets. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender and broccoli is cooked through.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
- Stir in cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Return sausage to the pot and toss everything together.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in mozzarella or fontina cheese for extra creaminess.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Lighter Version: Use milk instead of cream and skip extra cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Swap orzo with gluten-free small pasta or rice.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken sausage adds smoky, savory flavor but turkey sausage works too.
- Toasting orzo before adding broth enhances flavor.
- Fresh broccoli is best, but frozen works if added near the end.
- Dish thickens as it sits, add a splash of broth when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or focaccia for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crisp salad like Caesar or spinach apple salad.
- Great for meal prep, stores well in the fridge.
Tips
- Cut broccoli into small florets so they cook evenly with orzo.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 710mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I use another type of sausage?
- Yes, turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even plant-based sausage all work.
Q2: Can I make chicken sausage and broccoli orzo ahead of time?
- Yes, store in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
Q3: Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, just add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid mushiness.
Q4: Can I substitute the cream?
- Yes, use milk or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.
Q5: What pasta shape can I use instead of orzo?
- Small shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or pastina can be used.
Conclusion
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly one-pot meal that brings together creamy orzo pasta, smoky chicken sausage, and fresh broccoli. Perfect for weeknights, it’s easy to prepare, customizable, and hearty enough to serve on its own or with simple sides. This recipe delivers comfort food flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a weeknight dinner winner.