Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe rich aroma of chicken sausage sizzling on the stove immediately transports me to cozy family dinners filled with laughter and warmth. This 30-Minute Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo isn’t just a meal; it’s a delightful embrace on a busy weeknight. Perfectly blended with vibrant broccoli and tender orzo, this one-pot wonder is not only quick to prepare but also promises easy cleanup. It’s a major bonus for those of us looking to escape the fast-food trap, offering a wholesome, satisfying dinner that packs protein and veggies into every comforting bite. Whether you’re in need of a crowd-pleaser or simply seeking a nourishing option that fits into a gluten-free lifestyle, you’ll find this dish to be an irresistible option. Curious about how to whip up this heartwarming dish? Let’s dive in! Why is Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo a Game Changer? Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table, perfect for even the busiest weeknights. One-Pot Wonder: This recipe makes cleanup a breeze—less time washing dishes means more time enjoying your meal! Flavorful Combination: Savory chicken sausage paired with vibrant broccoli and creamy orzo creates a symphony of tastes in every bite. Customizable Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to make it your own! Swap chicken sausage for turkey or try adding seasonal veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. Wholesome & Nourishing: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a nutritious alternative to fast food meals you might be tempted to grab on the go. Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Ingredients For the Orzo • Orzo Pasta – Main carbohydrate source providing texture; substitute with gluten-free orzo for dietary needs. For the Sauté • Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing and enhancing flavor; avocado oil can work beautifully as a substitute. • Chicken Sausage – Delivers protein and savory flavor; try turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives for variation. • Garlic – Infuses an essential depth of flavor; fresh garlic is recommended for the best taste. For the Veggies • Broccoli Florets – Adds nutrition and vibrant color; feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. For the Broth & Seasoning • Chicken Broth – Moisture and richness enhancer; vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian option. • Italian Seasoning – A delightful blend of herbs; fresh herbs can be substituted for an even fresher taste. • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste; adjust according to dietary restrictions. For the Creamy Finish • Parmesan Cheese – For creaminess and richness; nutritional yeast can be used as a vegan alternative. • Fresh Parsley – A gorgeous garnish for color and freshness; basil can offer a different aromatic touch. This wholesome Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is not just a meal but a comforting experience packed with nutrients and flavor. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Step 1: Sauté Sausage Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until the pieces are golden brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. This will release flavorful juices, creating a savory base for your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. Step 2: Add Garlic Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The garlic will impart a wonderful aroma, perfectly complementing the savory sausage and setting the stage for the next ingredients in your dish. Step 3: Cook Broccoli Now, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets, stirring them with the sausage and garlic. Sauté the mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the broccoli begins to soften and brightens in color. This adds a vibrant touch to your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo while ensuring the veggies are tender yet still crisp. Step 4: Combine Ingredients Pour in 1 cup of orzo pasta along with 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to high and stir the mixture well. As the broth heats, bring it to a boil, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated for a flavorful one-pot meal. Step 5: Simmer Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This step is key to creating a creamy consistency in your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, so be attentive! Step 6: Incorporate Cheese Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends seamlessly into the orzo. This adds a rich, creamy finish to your dish. The cheese will elevate the flavor, making every bite of your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo irresistibly satisfying. Step 7: Serve Finally, garnish your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot. The vibrant green will add a pop of color and a fresh aroma to the dish. Arrange it on plates or in bowls, ready for your family to enjoy a comforting and hearty meal. What to Serve with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo The perfect accompaniment can elevate your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo to a full-fledged meal that delights the senses. Crispy Garlic Bread: The crunchy, savory bites of garlic bread are ideal for soaking up any flavors left on your plate, making each bite even more satisfying. Mixed Green Salad: A lightly dressed mixed greens salad adds a refreshing, crisp contrast to the heartiness of the orzo, balancing out the meal beautifully. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring a caramelized sweetness that complements the savory sausage and adds a vibrant splash of color to your dinner table. Creamy Coleslaw: The crunch and sweetness of coleslaw provide a refreshing counterpart to each warm, creamy spoonful of orzo. Wine Pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio will enhance the flavors and lift your dining experience, marrying beautifully with the dish’s savory notes. Chocolate Mousse: End your meal with a rich chocolate mousse for a luxurious dessert that echoes the depth of flavor found in your orzo dish. The velvety chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser! Expert Tips for Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Perfectly Browned Sausage: Ensure the chicken sausage is well-browned for maximum flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. Stir Often: Stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking and achieve even cooking, ensuring a creamy texture throughout. Creaminess Boost: For an extra creamy finish, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream just before serving; this can elevate the dish to restaurant quality. Keep Broth Handy: If you have leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to prevent the orzo from drying out, keeping it tender and flavorful. Veggie Variations: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for an extra nutritional boost and colorful presentation. Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Variations Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it truly yours. Each variation adds a unique twist that ignites the senses! Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or even quinoa for a tasty alternative that still keeps the dish hearty and delicious. Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a colorful boost that enhances your dish’s nutritional value. This also diversifies the textures, giving every bite something delightful. Turkey Twist: Swap in turkey sausage for a leaner protein option, or try a plant-based sausage for a completely different flavor profile. Each option brings its own spin, keeping things exciting! Creamy Dream: For an ultra-creamy finish, incorporate a splash of heavy cream just before serving. This creates that luscious texture that makes every bite feel indulgent. Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing for a gentle heat that adds depth to your dish while still being comforting. Herbaceous Delight: Instead of Italian seasoning, experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme to give new life to the flavors in your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. Fresh herbs can brighten up the entire dish! Cheesy Goodness: Besides Parmesan, try adding a mix of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for a different creamy twist—each will offer a unique taste experience. Savory Broth: Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth not only retains moisture; it adds another layer of flavor, making the dish suitable for vegetarians. If you’re looking for more delicious meal inspirations, don’t forget to check out my Honey BBQ Chicken or indulge in some savory Sesame Chicken Healthy for another delectable dinner option. How to Store and Freeze Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring freshness. This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo makes a great next-day lunch! Freezer: If you want to prepare in advance, transfer cooled orzo to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through. Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley again after reheating for an extra pop of color and flavor. Make Ahead Options These Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can sauté the chicken sausage and garlic up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, chop your broccoli and prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time. Store these components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sausage mixture, toss in the prepped broccoli, orzo, broth, and seasonings, and let it simmer until the orzo is tender. This approach not only saves time but ensures you maintain the dish’s delicious quality, delivering a comforting meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights. Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best chicken sausage for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting chicken sausage, look for options that are minimally processed with a short ingredient list, ideally containing herbs and spices rather than artificial additives. If you prefer a healthier choice, opt for chicken sausage labeled as “lean” or “reduced-fat.” Also, consider your flavor preferences; options like garlic or Italian herbs can add delightful nuances to your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo! What’s the best way to store leftovers? To keep your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. I often portion it out for lunches the next day, making it an easy grab-and-go meal! Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it in the container to maintain texture and flavor. Can I freeze Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo? Yes, you can! If you want to make this hearty dish ahead of time, freeze cooled orzo in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the container in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it gently in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive its creamy consistency. What can I do if the orzo absorbs too much liquid and becomes dry? Very! If you find that your orzo has absorbed too much liquid and seems dry when reheating, simply add a splash of chicken broth and stir as you heat it through. This will help regain its creamy texture. You can also consider stirring in a bit of olive oil or a pat of butter for added richness. Does it contain common allergens? While the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is generally a safe meal, it contains gluten (in traditional orzo) and dairy (from parmesan cheese). If you or someone in your family has these allergies, opt for gluten-free orzo and nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute to enjoy this comforting dish without worry. It’s a delightful and flexible recipe suitable for a variety of dietary needs! Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! The wonderful thing about this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is its versatility. Feel free to toss in seasonal veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the cooking process. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly so they remain crisp and vibrant, adding not just nutrition but also lovely color to your one-pot meal! Savory Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo in 30 Minutes This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a quick, nutritious meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Orzo1 cup Orzo Pasta Substitute with gluten-free orzo if desiredFor the Sauté2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil can be used as a substitute1 pound Chicken Sausage Can substitute with turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is recommendedFor the Veggies2 cups Broccoli Florets Other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can be addedFor the Broth & Seasoning4 cups Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs can be used insteadto taste Salt Adjust according to dietary restrictionsto taste Pepper Adjust according to dietary restrictionsFor the Creamy Finish1 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can be used as a vegan alternativeto taste Fresh Parsley Basil can be used for a different flavor Equipment Large Pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until the pieces are golden brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.Now, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets, stirring them with the sausage and garlic. Sauté the mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.Pour in 1 cup of orzo pasta along with 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes.Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends seamlessly into the orzo.Finally, garnish your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg NotesThis Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is not just a meal but a comforting experience packed with nutrients and flavor. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish! Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!