If you’re craving a cozy and flavorful dinner, this Delicious One-Pot Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is the perfect recipe to make. It combines tender orzo, savory chicken sausage, and bright, fresh broccoli—all cooked together in one skillet for a quick, comforting weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious One-Pot Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
This dish checks all the boxes for a fast and satisfying family dinner. It’s creamy, hearty, well-balanced, and comes together with simple everyday ingredients. Because everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is minimal and the flavors become beautifully layered—especially after browning the chicken sausage. The orzo absorbs the broth as it simmers, creating a rich, risotto-like texture without any extra work.
Whether you need a quick weeknight recipe, a reliable meal prep option, or a wholesome comfort-food dinner, this one-pot skillet has you covered.
Ingredients for Delicious One-Pot Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
Main Ingredients
- Chicken sausage, sliced
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Uncooked orzo pasta
- Chicken broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon zest
- Fresh parsley
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
Chicken Sausage:
Use fully cooked chicken sausage for the fastest results. Turkey sausage also works well. For a vegetarian option, swap in a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a savory effect.
Orzo:
This small pasta cooks quickly and becomes naturally creamy as it absorbs broth. Substitute with pearl couscous or small pasta shapes if needed, though cook time may vary.
Broccoli:
Fresh florets give the best texture, but frozen broccoli works if added during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking.
Broth:
Chicken broth is classic, but vegetable broth is perfectly fine for a vegetarian version.
Parmesan Cheese:
Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully and enhances creaminess. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
Seasoning Extras:
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth. Lemon zest brightens the flavors, especially just before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Brown the Chicken Sausage
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and let it brown for several minutes on each side. This step builds a deep, savory base for the dish by releasing flavor into the pan.
Step 2 – Add Garlic and Broccoli
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped broccoli florets. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the broccoli begins to soften slightly.
Step 3 – Add the Orzo and Broth
Pour in the uncooked orzo and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. These bits add incredible flavor to the finished dish.
Step 4 – Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
Step 5 – Add Parmesan
Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the orzo, creating a rich, creamy texture.
Step 6 – Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add optional red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm.
Delicious One-Pot Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
Equipment
- large skillet
- cutting board
- chef’s knife
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- optional: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and brown on both sides.
- Add garlic and broccoli to the skillet. Sauté 2–3 minutes until the broccoli begins to soften.
- Pour in the orzo and chicken broth. Stir well and scrape up browned bits from the pan.
- Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Turn off heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Season to taste and serve warm with optional toppings such as red pepper flakes, parsley, or lemon zest.
Notes
Nutrition
Pro Tips for Success
- Brown the sausage well.
Deep browning means deeper flavor. - Don’t skip stirring.
Orzo can stick to the bottom if left still too long—stir every few minutes. - Use freshly grated cheese.
It melts smoother and tastes much better than pre-grated. - Watch the liquid level.
If the orzo absorbs broth quickly, add a splash more to reach your desired creaminess. - Cut broccoli small.
Smaller pieces cook faster and blend seamlessly into the dish. - Let it rest.
A few minutes off the heat allows the orzo to thicken perfectly.
Flavor Variations
- Lemon Herb Version:
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley for a bright twist. - Creamy Alfredo Style:
Add a splash of cream and extra Parmesan for a richer flavor. - Veggie-Loaded Skillet:
Include mushrooms, peas, bell peppers, or spinach. - Spicy Cajun Version:
Mix in smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning. - Italian-Inspired:
Add sun-dried tomatoes and basil.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad
- Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Add extra broccoli or steamed vegetables for volume
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley
- Top with a squeeze of lemon for brightness
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently on the stove with extra broth.
Meal Prep Tip:
This orzo thickens as it sits, so store portions separately if packing lunches.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate values
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
FAQ About Delicious One-Pot Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
Can I use uncooked chicken sausage?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook it longer during the browning stage. Make sure the sausage is fully cooked through before adding garlic and broccoli. If using raw links, slice them after browning or crumble them into the pan.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free parmesan alternative or add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The rest of the recipe remains naturally dairy-free.
Can I replace orzo with rice?
You can, but rice requires more liquid and a longer cook time. For best results, use a small pasta like pearl couscous as a closer substitute.
Does frozen broccoli work?
Yes! Add it during the last 5–7 minutes of simmering so it doesn’t overcook. Frozen broccoli tends to soften quickly, so keep an eye on texture.
How do I keep the orzo from sticking?
Stirring frequently and simmering gently are key. If the mixture becomes too thick or sticky, add an extra splash of broth or water.
Final Thoughts
This delicious one-pot chicken sausage broccoli orzo is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s quick, comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy—perfect for busy nights or whenever you need a satisfying meal that doesn’t require a sink full of dishes. With simple ingredients and endless variation possibilities, it’s destined to become a weeknight favorite.
