I love this dish because it brings together the savory flavor of chicken sausage, the freshness of broccoli, and the comforting creaminess of orzo pasta all in one skillet. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for a weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find this recipe incredibly satisfying because it’s simple yet packed with flavor. The orzo cooks right in the broth, soaking up all the goodness from the sausage and garlic, making the dish creamy without needing heavy cream. I love that it’s a complete meal—protein, veggies, and carbs—all cooked together with minimal cleanup.

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
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the sausage
I heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, I add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on both sides. I then remove the sausage and set it aside.
Sauté the garlic and orzo
In the same skillet, I add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then I stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1–2 minutes, letting it absorb some of the flavors and develop a slightly nutty aroma.
Add the broth and seasonings
I pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. I cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick.
Add broccoli and sausage
When the orzo is nearly tender, I stir in the broccoli florets and the cooked sausage. I cover the skillet and let everything simmer for another 3–4 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the orzo has absorbed most of the broth.
Finish with Parmesan and parsley
Once the orzo is creamy and cooked through, I remove the skillet from heat. I stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Finally, I sprinkle the chopped parsley on top before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
My average timing looks like this:

Prep (slicing sausage, chopping garlic and broccoli): ~5 minutes
Cooking time: ~20 minutes
Total time: about 25 minutes start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes add red pepper flakes or crushed chili for a little heat.
If I want extra creaminess, I stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
I’ve replaced broccoli with asparagus, spinach, or peas depending on what I have.
For a richer flavor, I occasionally add a splash of white wine when toasting the orzo.
I use turkey sausage or Italian sausage if I want a slightly different taste.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I add a splash of chicken broth or water and warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring until creamy again. The microwave also works fine; I just cover it and stir halfway through heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?

Yes — I’ve tried small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous, and they work nicely too. Cooking time may vary slightly.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. I use vegetarian sausage or skip it altogether and add more broccoli or mushrooms.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I’ve used frozen broccoli when fresh isn’t available. I just add it straight in during the last few minutes of simmering.

4. How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Stir frequently as it cooks and make sure there’s enough broth. If it thickens too quickly, I splash in a bit more broth or water.

5. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes — most chicken sausages are already cooked. I just brown them briefly for flavor.

6. How can I make this dairy-free?

I skip the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast.

7. Can I double this recipe?

Definitely. I double all ingredients, but I use a large enough pan so the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t clump.

8. What’s the best broth to use?

I prefer low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the salt. Vegetable broth also works well.

9. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes — I’ve added zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

10. Will this work for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats beautifully and holds up well for up to 3 days, making it great for lunches.

Conclusion

This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is one of my favorite quick comfort meals. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and fresh broccoli in a Parmesan-infused sauce is incredibly satisfying. I love how easily it comes together, and it always feels like a complete, hearty dinner with minimal effort.