Introduction
When you need a nutritious, filling dinner on the table in half an hour, this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is your new best friend. It’s a “one-pot wonder” that combines savory, browned chicken sausage with tender broccoli and rice-shaped orzo pasta, all simmered in a rich chicken broth. Finished with a splash of bright lemon juice and salty Parmesan cheese, this dish feels light yet comforting. It minimizes dishwashing and maximizes flavor, making it the ultimate solution for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single skillet—from browning the sausage to simmering the pasta. Less mess, less stress.
Texture Perfection: The orzo releases just enough starch to create a naturally creamy sauce without needing heavy cream.
Budget Friendly: Chicken sausage is an affordable protein that packs a lot of flavor without needing a ton of extra spices.
Balanced Meal: You get your protein, greens, and carbs all in one bowl.
Equipment
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Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet with high sides (or a Dutch oven) is ideal to hold the liquid and pasta without spilling.
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Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing the sausage and chopping onions/broccoli.
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Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate liquid ratios.
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Wooden Spoon: For sautéing and stirring the orzo to prevent sticking.
Ingredients
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Chicken Sausage: 12 oz; pre-cooked links sliced into coins work best. Choose an Italian or Garlic herb variety for extra flavor.
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Orzo: 1 cup; this rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the broth beautifully.
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Broccoli: 2 cups florets; chop them small so they cook through in the residual steam and liquid.
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Chicken Broth: 2 ½ cups; the liquid base that cooks the pasta. Use low-sodium to control the salt level.
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Aromatics: 1 small onion (chopped) and 3 garlic cloves (minced); the savory foundation of the dish.
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Olive Oil: 2 tbsp; for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables.
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Finishing Touches: 1 tbsp lemon juice (adds brightness) and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (adds salty creaminess).
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Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
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Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned and caramelized. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside on a plate.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan (don’t wipe it out!), add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Toast Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir it around for 1–2 minutes to toast it slightly. This adds a nutty flavor and helps the pasta hold its shape.
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Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 5–7 minutes.
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Add Veggies: Stir in the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Cover the pan if needed to help the broccoli steam.
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Finish: Once the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, return the cooked sausage to the pan. Stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
You Must Know
Toasting Orzo: Do not skip step 3! Toasting the dry pasta in the oil briefly before adding liquid prevents it from becoming mushy and adds a depth of flavor.
Broccoli Size: Keep your broccoli florets small. If they are huge chunks, the orzo will be overcooked by the time the broccoli is tender.
Liquid Ratio: Orzo is thirsty. If the pan looks dry before the pasta is cooked, splash in a little extra water or broth, 1/4 cup at a time.
Storage Tips
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Orzo will absorb liquid as it sits, so it may be thicker the next day.
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Reheating: Add a splash of water or broth before microwaving or reheating on the stove to loosen the sauce.
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Freezing: Not recommended. Pasta dishes with cream/cheese and broccoli tends to get mushy when thawed.
Ingredient Substitutions
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Protein: Turkey sausage, sliced kielbasa, or even chickpeas (for a vegetarian option) work well.
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Veggie: Asparagus or green beans can replace broccoli. Add them at the same time as you would the broccoli.
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Dairy-Free: Omit the Parmesan cheese and garnish with toasted pine nuts or nutritional yeast.
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Grain: You can use rice instead of orzo, but cooking times and liquid ratios will vary (rice typically needs more liquid and time).
Serving Suggestions
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Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any rogue orzo grains.
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Salad: Serve with a simple arugula salad with balsamic glaze to cut through the starchiness.
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Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice heat that complements the sausage.
Cultural and Historical Context
Orzo (Italian for “barley,” due to its shape) is a short-cut pasta traditionally used in soups and grain salads in Mediterranean cuisine. This “risotto-style” method of cooking it—where the starch creates a sauce—is a modern American adaptation designed for one-pot convenience.
Seasonal Adaptations
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Spring: Use asparagus and peas instead of broccoli, and add fresh dill.
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Winter: Use hearty kale (add it earlier with the broth) and spicy sausage for warmth.
Perfect Occasions
This is the ideal Weeknight Rescue Meal, a great Lunch Meal Prep, or a simple Kid-Friendly Dinner (it’s essentially mac and cheese with trees!).
Freezer Meal Conversion
Prep Bag: You can freeze the sliced sausage, chopped onion, and broccoli florets together in a bag. When ready to cook, dump them in the pan to sauté (cook until water evaporates), then add fresh orzo and broth.
Pro Tips
Lemon Zest: For an extra citrus punch, zest the lemon before juicing it and stir the zest in at the very end.
Al Dente: Orzo goes from “perfect” to “mush” quickly. Taste it frequently near the end of the cooking time.
Creamier Version: If you want it indulgent, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese along with the Parmesan.
FAQs About Recipes
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Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes. Add it at the very end just to warm through, as it is already blanched and soft.
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Do I need to boil the orzo first? No! The beauty of this recipe is that the orzo cooks right in the broth, absorbing all the flavor.
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Is orzo gluten-free? No, orzo is wheat pasta. You must buy specific gluten-free orzo or use rice for a GF version.
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: 30-Minute Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown sausage slices for 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same pan until soft and fragrant.
- Add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in broth and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Return sausage to pan, add lemon juice and Parmesan (if using), and mix well. Serve hot.
