One-Pan Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo—Simple & Satisfying

This chicken sausage broccoli orzo is a simple and satisfying one-pan dinner that brings together tender orzo, golden-browned sausage, crisp broccoli, and bright lemon for a comforting meal that still tastes fresh. It’s the perfect weeknight recipe when you want something hearty, flavorful, and ready fast.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo

• One pan = minimal cleanup — everything cooks in the same skillet.
• Ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for busy nights.
• Balanced flavors thanks to a blend of savory sausage, creamy orzo, and lemon brightness.
• Kid-friendly and nutritious, with protein + veggies + pasta in every bite.
• Flexible and budget-friendly, allowing easy substitutions and add-ins.

Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
• 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of ½–1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)

• Chicken Sausage:
  If the recipe originally calls for pork sausage, you can swap in lean chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Veggie sausage or seasoned mushrooms also work well for a vegetarian twist.
• Orzo:
  Whole-wheat orzo is a great way to add extra fiber, while gluten-free orzo can be used if needed.
• Broccoli:
  Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen florets can be added in the last 5 minutes of cooking without thawing.
• Chicken Broth:
  Use low-sodium broth so you can better control the seasoning. Vegetable broth works as a substitute.
• Cheese:
  Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds creaminess without needing heavy cream.
• Lemon:
  Lemon brightens the entire dish. You can replace it with a splash of mild vinegar if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Brown the Chicken Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside, leaving any flavorful browned bits in the pan.

Step 2 – Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 3 – Toast the Orzo

Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet. Toss it in the aromatics and oil to lightly toast for 1–2 minutes. This step prevents mushiness and adds a subtle nutty flavor.

Step 4 – Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the delicious browned bits. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5 – Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking

Stir in the broccoli and return the sausage to the skillet. Cover and cook another 4–5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and most of the broth is absorbed.

Step 6 – Add Parmesan and Lemon

Remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until creamy. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with parsley.

One-Pan Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo—Simple & Satisfying

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• Author: Dolly
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This chicken sausage broccoli orzo is a simple and satisfying one-pan dinner featuring tender orzo, golden-browned sausage, crisp broccoli, and bright lemon for a comforting yet fresh-tasting meal.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
• 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of ½–1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Add the diced onion to the same skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
3. Add the uncooked orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the broccoli and return the sausage to the skillet. Cover and cook for another 4–5 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan until creamy, add lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Toast the orzo for better texture, use freshly grated Parmesan, and let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving so it thickens beautifully.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: One-Pan Meal
• Cuisine: American

Pro Tips for Success

• Toast the orzo for deeper flavor and better texture.
• Cut broccoli into uniform florets so they cook evenly.
• Use freshly grated cheese — pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
• Adjust the broth if needed; orzo absorbs liquid differently depending on brand.
• Let it rest 5 minutes before serving to thicken beautifully.

Flavor Variations

• Creamy Version: Add a splash of milk or half-and-half before stirring in Parmesan.
• Spicy Upgrade: Use hot chicken sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and basil.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, peas, or zucchini.
• Herb Swap: Use oregano, thyme, or fresh basil for a new flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad and lemon vinaigrette.
• Pair with garlic bread or warm crusty rolls.
• Add a side of roasted vegetables for color and extra nutrition.
• Top with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper just before serving.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the orzo.
• Freeze: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
  Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Approximate values; will vary)

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FAQ About Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe reheats well and can be made 1–2 days in advance. The orzo may thicken as it sits, so simply stir in a splash of broth or water before reheating to bring back its creamy texture. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. Frozen broccoli can be added straight into the skillet without thawing. Add it during the final 5 minutes of cooking, and allow 1–2 additional minutes if the florets are large. It won’t be as crisp as fresh broccoli, but it works well for convenience.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes. You can omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free grated cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast also adds a savory, cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind that the final texture will be slightly less creamy without Parmesan.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Small pasta shapes like couscous, acini di pepe, or small elbows can work, but you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Orzo is ideal because it absorbs liquid evenly and cooks quickly, so substitutions may require extra attention.

How can I make this recipe more filling?

You can add extra protein such as diced cooked chicken, chickpeas, or white beans. Stirring in leafy greens like spinach or adding more broccoli also boosts volume, nutrients, and satiety without much extra cost or effort.

Final Thoughts

This one-pan chicken sausage broccoli orzo is the perfect blend of comfort and simplicity, delivering big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just need a quick wholesome dinner, this recipe is reliable, flexible, and sure to become a weeknight favorite.For more inspiration, check out this Easy Pumpkin Pie Tacos — A Fun Fall Dessert or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!