Easy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo (One-Pan Dinner)

This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a 30-minute, one-pan meal that’s creamy, hearty, and full of comforting flavors. Tender orzo pasta cooks right in the broth with juicy sausage, crisp-tender broccoli, and a touch of Parmesan for a rich, satisfying finish. It’s weeknight comfort made simple no extra pots, no stress!

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden and browned on the edges.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Broccoli

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and cook for another 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish

Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch.

Serve warm and enjoy this cozy, one-pan dinner that’s both wholesome and satisfying!

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Luna from Cook It Slowly
A cozy one-pan orzo with juicy chicken sausage, crisp-tender broccoli, garlic, and Parmesan ready in about 30 minutes for the perfect weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 0 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large pot Preferably heavy-bottomed for even heat
  • Lid To cover during simmering
  • Wooden spoon For stirring the orzo
  • Measuring cups For broth and orzo
  • Chef’s knife For chopping parsley and slicing sausage

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
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook 5–7 minutes until browned.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring so it doesn’t scorch.
  • Add broccoli florets and sauté 2–3 minutes until bright green and beginning to soften.
  • Pour in orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  • Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra creaminess, splash in 2–3 tablespoons of cream or a knob of butter with the Parmesan. Swap broccoli for broccolini or peas if desired.
Keyword 30-minute meals, chicken sausage and broccoli orzo, easy weeknight dinner, one-pan dinner
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