When the clock’s ticking and your stomach’s grumbling, few dishes save the day quite like Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo. It’s got all the makings of a dinner win: flavorful savory sausage pasta, bright broccoli, and a tender one-pot orzo base that pulls it all together—creamy, comforting, and done in 30 minutes flat.
I created this recipe for those hectic evenings when takeout feels like the only option. You know the ones—when the laundry’s overflowing, your inbox is full, and everyone keeps asking, “What’s for dinner?” This dish swoops in like a dinnertime superhero. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, light enough to not weigh you down, and fancy-looking without being fussy.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kiddos or treating yourself after a long day, this broccoli pasta dish brings the flavor without the drama. It’s wholesome, well-balanced, and (bonus!) you only have one pot to clean.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
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One pot = less mess. Who doesn’t love fewer dishes?
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Balanced and flavorful. Chicken sausage adds richness, broccoli brings the greens, and orzo delivers that silky pasta comfort.
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Done in 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights when your brain is fried and your energy’s running on fumes.
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Customizable. Want more veggies? A different protein? Easy.
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Savory sausage pasta never disappoints, especially when it’s cozy, cheesy, and kissed with garlic.
Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, savory one-pot dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Tender orzo, flavorful chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli come together in a rich, cheesy sauce for the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. It’s simple, hearty, and ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
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1½ cups (300 g) orzo pasta
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2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
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400 g chicken sausage (about 4 links), sliced
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250 g broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2½ cups (600 ml) chicken broth
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Sauté the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on both sides.
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Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
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Pour in broth: Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add orzo and seasoning: Stir in orzo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add broccoli: Stir in broccoli florets, cover again, and cook another 3–4 minutes until tender.
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Finish with cheese: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
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Serve: Top with fresh parsley and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
You can use turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for variation.
Frozen broccoli can go in directly—no need to thaw.
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Keep stirring the orzo occasionally to prevent clumping.
Great with a green salad or crusty bread on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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1½ cups (300 g) orzo pasta
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2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
-
400 g chicken sausage (about 4 links), sliced
-
250 g broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2½ cups (600 ml) chicken broth
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make It
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Sauté the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook 4–5 minutes until browned on both sides.
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Add garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in broth: Add the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
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Add orzo + seasoning: Stir in the orzo, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.
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Toss in broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and mix them in. Cover again and cook another 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is tender and orzo is cooked through.
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Stir in cheese: Remove from heat, stir in the Parmesan, and watch it melt into creamy deliciousness.
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Top & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm!
Kitchen Tips
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Frozen broccoli? No problem. Just toss it in frozen—no need to thaw.
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Parmesan trick: Grate it fresh if you can. Pre-grated works, but fresh adds a meltier, richer touch.
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Low-sodium broth? Yes, especially if your sausage is salty. You can always season to taste.
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Orzo sticking? Stir it now and then to keep it from clumping—kind of like babysitting risotto.
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Want extra creaminess? Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This recipe actually came about during a “what can I make with this?” fridge clean-out. I had some orzo, leftover chicken sausage from a brunch, and a bag of frozen broccoli. The result? Way better than I expected—and now it’s in heavy rotation at our house. It’s the kind of meal that feels low-effort but tastes like you tried. And let’s be honest: that’s the sweet spot, right?
My kids love that it’s creamy and cheesy. I love that it’s not mac and cheese again. It’s our compromise comfort food—and I don’t mind one bit.
What to Serve with It
Honestly, this dish is pretty complete on its own. But if you’re looking to stretch the meal or impress guests:
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A crusty baguette or garlic bread goes beautifully.
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A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness.
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A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully, if you’re winding down with a glass.
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Want something sweet after? Lemon bars or a scoop of vanilla gelato are perfect light finishes.
How to Store & Reheat
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To store: Let leftovers cool before placing in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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To reheat: Add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, then warm over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between.
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Freezing tip: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Just note the orzo may get a bit softer after thawing. Store tightly sealed for up to a month.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage?
Yes! Turkey sausage works beautifully and still keeps the meal lean and flavorful.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Sure—just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Add a splash of olive oil or broth for extra creaminess.
What if I don’t have orzo?
Tiny pastas like ditalini or even rice could work in a pinch—just adjust liquid and cook time accordingly.
Can I use other veggies besides broccoli?
Absolutely. Try spinach, zucchini, or peas. Just adjust cook time so they stay tender, not mushy.
Is this dish spicy?
Not at all—but you could add red pepper flakes or a spicy sausage if you want a little heat.
I hope this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo brings you as much comfort (and ease!) as it’s brought my family. It’s quick, cozy, and so satisfying—the kind of one-pot orzo dinner that checks all the boxes without draining your energy. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it ends up in your weekly dinner lineup!
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