The aroma of garlic and Italian herbs fills my kitchen every time I toss everything into one pot for this chicken sausage broccoli orzo. I discovered this recipe during one of those evenings when my kids had back-to-back activities, and I needed dinner fast. The combination of tender orzo, savory chicken sausage, and bright green broccoli in a Parmesan-kissed broth became an instant family favorite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
I keep these simple ingredients on hand because this recipe has saved dinner more times than I can count. The beauty lies in how everyday items transform into something special when cooked together.
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound chicken sausage (sliced into rounds, Italian or garlic herb varieties work best)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced finely)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium gives you better control)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated from block for best melting)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, plus extra for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking helps this recipe move smoothly. Once you begin, everything happens quickly.
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot (4-quart or larger) over medium heat until it shimmers slightly, about 1 minute. Add the sliced chicken sausage in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully as garlic can burn quickly.
Step 3: Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn bright green and begin to soften slightly.
Step 4: Pour in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir every 3 to 4 minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. The pasta is done when tender with a slight firmness and liquid is reduced to a creamy consistency, with about 1/4 cup remaining.
Step 6: Remove the pot from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until it melts completely and coats everything in a silky sauce.
Step 7: Serve immediately in shallow bowls, topped with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
This complete one-pot meal pairs wonderfully with simple sides that add textural variety without overwhelming the palate.
Garlic Bread: Crusty bread with butter and garlic offers the perfect vehicle for soaking up any remaining creamy broth at the bottom of your bowl, and the crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the tender orzo.
Caesar Salad: A crisp romaine salad with tangy dressing and crunchy croutons balances the richness of the Parmesan orzo while adding fresh greens to round out your nutritional profile.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, caramelized tomatoes bring acidity that cuts through the savory sausage and cheese, plus their bright color makes your dinner table more visually appealing. For another tomato-forward orzo dish, try our sun-dried tomato chicken orzo.
Creamy Soup: Starting with a warm bowl of creamy tortellini soup makes this a complete Italian-inspired feast perfect for cooler evenings.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato bites echo the Italian inspiration of this dish and work wonderfully as a light appetizer while the orzo simmers on the stove.
Keep It Fresh: Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The orzo will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so the texture becomes slightly thicker when chilled, but that’s completely normal.
Reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore that creamy consistency. Alternatively, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers equally delicious.
This versatile dish transforms easily into different meals throughout the week. Try adding red pepper flakes for spice lovers, mixing in baby spinach for extra greens, or topping with crispy breadcrumbs for added crunch. If you enjoy orzo dishes, you might also love our marsala chicken orzo or creamy one-pot broccoli cheddar orzo.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti work well. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly from orzo, and adjust the liquid if needed to prevent sticking.
What if I don’t have chicken sausage?
Turkey sausage, sliced kielbasa, or even cooked chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces make excellent substitutions. You can also make this vegetarian by using plant-based sausage or adding white beans for protein.
My orzo turned out mushy, what went wrong?
Overcooking or using too much liquid are the usual culprits. Next time, check the orzo at the 10-minute mark and remove it from heat when it’s slightly al dente, as it will continue cooking in the residual heat.
Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot (4-quart or larger) over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until bright green and slightly softened.
- Pour in orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every 3 to 4 minutes, until orzo is tender and liquid is reduced to a creamy consistency with about 1/4 cup remaining.
- Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until melted and well combined.
- Serve hot in shallow bowls, topped with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
