Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

If you’re looking for a weekday dinner that’s quick, comforting, and packs a punch of flavor, this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the savory chicken sausage pairs with tender broccoli and creamy Parmesan-infused orzo, all in one pot. When I first made this, I was blown away by how simple it was yet so satisfying—perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending forever in the kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together to create a well-rounded dish. You’ll want to pick good quality chicken sausage since it’s the star protein here, and fresh broccoli for a nice crunch and vibrant color.

• Orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and gives a lovely creamy texture once it absorbs the broth.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and prevents sticking when cooking the sausage.
• Chicken sausage: Sliced for even cooking; I recommend a flavorful Italian style but any seasoned sausage works well.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh is best—they soften just enough without becoming mushy.
• Garlic: Minced for a punch of aroma and depth.
• Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the orzo and veggies with savory goodness.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that ties all the flavors together effortlessly.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning everything perfectly.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated to melt smoothly, adding that irresistible creamy finish.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish.

Variations

I love to switch things up sometimes, so feel free to experiment with this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe to fit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

• Swap the sausage: I’ve tried turkey sausage for a leaner twist and even plant-based sausage to keep it vegetarian-friendly; both work beautifully.
• Add creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end for a richer sauce—my kids go crazy for that version!
• Boost the veggies: Toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach if you want to sneak in more greens.
• Spice it up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds a lovely depth if you like a little heat.

How to Make Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until it starts to brown and develop a golden crust—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the sausage adds tons of flavor and is the foundation for the whole dish. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan or the sausage will steam instead of brown.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli

Once the sausage is nicely browned, toss in the minced garlic—you’ll want to stir it around for about a minute until it smells amazing but doesn’t burn. Next, stir in the broccoli florets and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re bright green and just starting to soften. This quick sauté keeps the broccoli crisp-tender, which adds a lovely texture.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo with Broth and Seasonings

Now add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to the pot. Give everything a good stir, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and keep an eye on the orzo—it should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. This is the magic step, where the orzo soaks up all those rich flavors.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Fresh Parsley

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into a luscious, creamy sauce that brings everything together. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a burst of freshness and color. Serve hot and watch your family enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with extra freshly grated Parmesan and a little sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and brightness. Sometimes, I add a lemon wedge on the side—the citrus really wakes up the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since this recipe has protein, veggies, and carbs all in one, I usually keep it simple with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. Roasted cherry tomatoes also pair wonderfully and add a juicy pop of sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe in individual ramekins garnished with a sprig of parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil. It looks elegant but is so homey and comforting. You could also scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun twist that kids love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors mellow and sometimes deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

If I want to freeze this recipe, I skip stirring in the Parmesan and parsley first. Instead, I freeze the orzo in portioned containers for up to 2 months and add the cheese fresh when reheating. This keeps the texture and flavor much better.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed. Avoid microwaving it too hot too fast or the orzo can get mushy. Fresh Parmesan added after reheating always makes it taste fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, without any fuss or complicated steps. I’ve made it countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser—my family goes crazy every time. If you’re looking for a weeknight winner that combines comfort, nutrition, and flavor, I can’t recommend giving this a try enough. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be a staple in your rotation too!

Print