Delicious Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo dish served in a bowl

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines savory chicken sausage, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta. It’s a one-pot meal that saves time on cleanup and delivers big on flavor. Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a well-rounded meal for the whole family.

How to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. Stir in orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  5. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo hot, straight from the pot! You can add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top for added flavor and freshness. This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up, stirring occasionally.

Tips to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

  • Use any flavor of chicken sausage you like—spicy, Italian, or herb-infused for different tastes.
  • You can add other veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more variety and nutrition.
  • Be careful not to overcook the orzo; check it a minute or two before the cooking time is up.

Variation

You can make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or omitting it altogether. You could also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter flavor.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat orzo instead of regular orzo?
Yes, whole wheat orzo is a healthy alternative and will work well in this recipe.

Can I make this with frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works fine. Just add it directly into the pot during the step when fresh broccoli is added.

How can I make it creamier?
For a creamier version, you can stir in a little heavy cream or more Parmesan cheese just before serving.