The sizzle of chicken sausage in a hot skillet takes me straight back to Sunday nights in my tiny first apartmentno money, cheap wine, and the scent of garlic doing all the heavy lifting. This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe makes the rounds on Pinterest for a reasonit’s fast, full of flavor, and yes, it fits in one pan.
This meal is loaded with juicy chicken sausage, tender orzo, and lots of bright green broccoli. It’s hearty like a casserole, but comes together way quickerkind of like your aunt’s crowd-pleaser, minus the three casserole dishes. You only need simple staples and one heavy pot. Full details in the blog!
I first made this when my niece was yelling about mac and cheese and I was down to a bag of orzo and two links of sausage. Magic happened. We’ve tested it again and againbecause honestly, I wanted an excuse to keep making it. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
A delightful one-pot meal featuring savory chicken sausage and fresh broccoli with orzo pasta. This easy Italian main dish is a healthy chicken sausage and broccoli recipe perfect for a family friendly dinner or quick chicken sausage meal.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb chicken sausage sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 ½ cups orzo pasta
3 cloves garlic minced
1 onion chopped
4 cups chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the chicken sausage slices in a large skillet until browned then remove and set aside.
Sauté the garlic and onion in the same skillet until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets and cook until slightly tender.
Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is cooked through.
Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and mix well.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish and season with salt and pepper.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Category:Main Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Nutrition
Calories:420 kcal
Sugar:3
Sodium:900
Fat:15
Carbohydrates:45
Fiber:4
Protein:25
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe
This one-pan wonder checks all the boxes for a cozy, weeknight dinner that’s as easy as it is satisfying. First of all, it’s a lifesaver after a long dayminimal chopping, one skillet, and cleanup is a breeze. Plus, the combo of juicy chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta feels indulgent, but it’s secretly wholesome and balanced.
If you’re nostalgic for family meals at the kitchen table, this recipe brings that warm comfort, without the need for an hour in the kitchen. It’s also incredibly versatileperfect for when picky eaters are involved or your fridge is looking a little bare. You’ll be hooked on how the Parmesan ties everything together in just the right way, and honestly, one serving is never enough.
Key Ingredients for Success
Each ingredient in this recipe plays its role beautifully, so let’s break it down:
Chicken Sausage: Choose a variety you loveItalian, spicy, or herb-infusedall work here. Pre-cooked sausage keeps things simple.
Broccoli: Bright, tender broccoli florets add color, crunch, and plenty of nutrients. Fresh or even frozen broccoli works like a charm!
Orzo Pasta: Tiny, rice-shaped pasta that cooks right in the skillet absorbs all those delicious flavors while staying tender and creamy.
Chicken Broth: The secret to flavor-packed orzo. Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this at the end gives the dish that cozy, cheesy finish.
Garlic and Onion: The aromatic base that makes the whole kitchen smell like a warm hug.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip browning the chicken sausageit builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish!
Cooking Time Overview
Step
Time
Cook Chicken Sausage
5 minutes
Sauté Aromatics
3 minutes
Cook Broccoli
5 minutes
Simmer Orzo
10-12 minutes
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
If you’ve got 20 minutes and one big skillet, you’re golden. Here’s how to bring this family-friendly dinner together:
Brown the Chicken Sausage: Heat up your skillet and cook the sausage slices until golden-brown and fragrant. Set them asideyou’ll bring them back later for a flavor-packed finish.
Sauté Garlic and Onion: In the same skillet, toss in your chopped onion and garlic. Stir until the kitchen smells amazing (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and give them a quick sauté until they’re slightly tender. They’ll keep cooking in the next step!
Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo and pour in the chicken broth. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the orzo is tender and creamy.
Bring it Together: Stir the sausage back into the skillet, top with grated Parmesan, and give it a good mix. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
That’s itno draining, no extra pans, just one skillet of yum!
Easy Customizations
This meal is endlessly adaptable based on what’s in your pantry or your family’s favorite flavors. Here’s how you can make it your own:
No chicken sausage? Swap in turkey or plant-based sausage for a healthy twist.
Add more veggies: If you have zucchini, peas, or spinach on hand, toss them in! Spinach wilts beautifully during the last minute of cooking.
Make it dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Up the spice: Go bold with spicy sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Pro Tip: Want to make this ahead? Fully cook the dish, let it cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat gently to serve.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this dish taste even better the next day. Here’s how to save and reheat it:
To store: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Add a splash of water or broth when warming it up in the microwave or on the stove to bring back that creamy texture.
Freezing: This dish isn’t ideal for freezing, as the orzo can turn mushy, but it’s so quick to make fresh you might not need to!
Pro Tip: If you know you’ll have leftovers, cook the orzo for a minute less so it’s even better when reheated.
Expert Insight: The Balance of Flavor and Nutrition
Chicken sausage and broccoli orzo recipes offer a smart culinary balance, combining lean protein with nutrient-rich vegetables and satisfying carbohydrates. The orzo’s tender texture soaks up the savory flavors of the sausage, while broccoli adds both crunch and essential vitamins, making this dish an efficient weeknight meal option that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
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How I Finally Nailed My Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe
This chicken sausage and broccoli orzo recipe didn’t come together overnight. I spent several dinners tweaking the balance between sausage spices and broccoli’s bite, not to mention a few overcooked orzo mishaps. After plenty of trial and tasty errors, this version is the one my family asks for again and again.
FAQs ( Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe )
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this meal keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. This makes it a great option for quick lunches or dinners during your busy week.
What are good substitutes for broccoli in this dish?
You can swap broccoli with other green vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or spinach. These options maintain the meal’s freshness and add a nice color contrast. Adjust cooking times slightly to keep vegetables crisp but tender.
How do I prevent orzo from sticking together?
Cook orzo in plenty of boiling water and stir occasionally during cooking. After draining, rinse it briefly under warm water or toss with a little olive oil to keep the grains separate. This ensures the pasta stays light and perfect for mixing with the sausage and broccoli.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken sausage for this meal?
Absolutely. Pre-cooked sausage can save timejust slice and add it during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. This keeps the flavors fresh while speeding up your dinner prep.
Is this stir-fry healthy for family dinners?
This recipe balances protein, veggies, and carbs making it a nutritious family-friendly dinner. Using lean chicken sausage and fresh broccoli adds vitamins and fiber, while orzo provides satisfying energy. It’s a wholesome option that’s quick to prepare and appeals across ages.
Conclusion
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe comes together in about 20 minutes but feels like a slow-cooked hug for your taste buds. You’ll love how the orzo turns perfectly creamy, the sausage gets that golden-brown crisp, and the broccoli stays tender but not mushy. It’s a cozy, no-fuss dinner that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas and happy, satisfied sighs around the table.
Here’s a little secret from my kitchen: try swapping your chicken sausage for spicy or herb-filled varieties to shake things up. Leftovers? Just add a splash of broth when reheating to keep that silky orzo texture. And if you want to sneak in extra greens, spinach or peas are easy peasy additions. Cooking this meal always feels like catching up with an old friendwarm, flexible, and totally reliable.
Did this recipe bring you back to a family dinner or create a new favorite memory? I’d love to see your photos or hear your twist on this family friendly dinner. Save it, share it, or pass it onyou’re making more than a meal here, you’re making moments that stick. Here’s to good food and good company!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
