Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Name: Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

written by :

Eliza Nooman

October 26, 2025

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo dish served in a bowl

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why make this recipe

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a delicious and filling meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s simple to make, nutritious, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and creamy Parmesan cheese makes this dish a hit with everyone. Plus, it uses just one pot, which means less cleanup for you!

how to make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

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 grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Directions :

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
Add orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving (optional).

how to serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo warm, right out of the pot. You can dish it up in bowls and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. A side salad or some crusty bread pairs well with this meal.

how to store Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for about 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just thaw and reheat before serving.

tips to make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Use whole wheat orzo for a healthier version.
Feel free to replace broccoli with other veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste; adding red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick.
For an even heartier dish, add beans or chickpeas.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe. Instead of chicken sausage, try turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. You can also swap out the vegetables for what you have on hand, such as zucchini or green beans.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn.

Can I add more protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some beans to make it more filling.

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Author: alhaouil
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free orzo)

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Description

A delicious and filling one-pot meal featuring chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and creamy Parmesan cheese, perfect for any night of the week.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
Add orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.