🎉 Introduction

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is going to be a weeknight lifesaver. It’s a one-pan recipe that balances lean protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy orzo pasta for a dish that feels both hearty and healthy.

The chicken sausage brings savory flavor, the broccoli adds freshness and crunch, and the orzo ties it all together in a silky, cheesy sauce. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal dishes and maximum flavor.

This recipe is kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches for the week, or just want something cozy and filling without fuss, this dish checks all the boxes.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cheese grater

🛒 Ingredients

Protein

• 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Pantry

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Dairy

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

Oils

• 1 tbsp olive oil

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Cook the sausage

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

• In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the orzo

• Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.

Step 4: Build the base

• Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add broccoli and sausage

• Stir in broccoli florets and browned chicken sausage.
• Cover again and cook for another 5–6 minutes, until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green.

Step 6: Make it creamy

• Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice.
• If desired, add heavy cream for extra richness.

Step 7: Serve

• Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.
• Serve hot straight from the pan.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.
• **Freeze

Perfect choice! Let’s create your Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo recipe blog post with the structured format you love.

Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo – Easy, Wholesome & One-Pan Delicious! 🍗🥦🍋

🎉 Introduction

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is going to be a weeknight lifesaver. It’s a one-pan recipe that balances lean protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy orzo pasta for a dish that feels both hearty and healthy.

The chicken sausage brings savory flavor, the broccoli adds freshness and crunch, and the orzo ties it all together in a silky, cheesy sauce. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal dishes and maximum flavor.

This recipe is kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches for the week, or just want something cozy and filling without fuss, this dish checks all the boxes.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cheese grater

🛒 Ingredients

Protein

• 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Pantry

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Dairy

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

Oils

• 1 tbsp olive oil

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Cook the sausage

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

• In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the orzo

• Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.

Step 4: Build the base

• Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add broccoli and sausage

• Stir in broccoli florets and browned chicken sausage.
• Cover again and cook for another 5–6 minutes, until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green.

Step 6: Make it creamy

• Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice.
• If desired, add heavy cream for extra richness.

Step 7: Serve

• Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.
• Serve hot straight from the pan.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Not recommended (orzo may become mushy).
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen sauce.

🥄 Variations

• Protein Swap: Use shrimp, turkey sausage, or diced chicken breast.
• Veggie Boost: Add peas, zucchini, or spinach along with the broccoli.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in cream cheese or ricotta for richness.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy chicken sausage.
• Lemon Herb Twist: Stir in fresh basil or parsley for brightness.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta?
   Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous work well.
2. Do I need to cook orzo separately?
   No, it cooks right in the skillet with broth for flavor.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, but add lemon juice and cheese just before serving for freshness.
4. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   Absolutely—add in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. What cheese works best?
   Parmesan is classic, but pecorino or asiago are also great.
6. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
   Yes! It’s mild, cheesy, and balanced.
7. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes, use coconut cream and skip Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.
8. How do I make it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free orzo or another GF pasta.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, just use a wider skillet or Dutch oven.
10. What sides pair best?
    Garlic bread, simple green salad, or roasted veggies.

🏁 Conclusion

This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is proof that one-pan meals can be fast, flavorful, and nourishing. With just 30 minutes and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that balances protein, veggies, and pasta beautifully.

It’s versatile enough to customize with different veggies or proteins, making it a weeknight staple you’ll come back to again and again.

Adam

Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo – Easy, Wholesome & One-Pan Delicious!

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is going to be a weeknight lifesaver. It’s a one-pan recipe that balances lean protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy orzo pasta for a dish that feels both hearty and healthy. The chicken sausage brings savory flavor, the broccoli adds freshness and crunch, and the orzo ties it all together in a silky, cheesy sauce. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal dishes and maximum flavor. This recipe is kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches for the week, or just want something cozy and filling without fuss, this dish checks all the boxes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Protein

• 12 oz chicken sausage sliced into rounds

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Pantry

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Dairy

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream optional for extra creaminess

Oils

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan (with lid)
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cheese grater

Method

 

Step 1: Cook the sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

1. In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the orzo

1. Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.

Step 4: Build the base

1. Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add broccoli and sausage

1. Stir in broccoli florets and browned chicken sausage.
2. Cover again and cook for another 5–6 minutes, until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green.

Step 6: Make it creamy

1. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice.
2. If desired, add heavy cream for extra richness.

Step 7: Serve

1. Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.
2. Serve hot straight from the pan.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.

**Freeze

Perfect choice! Let’s create your Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo recipe blog post with the structured format you love.

Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo – Easy, Wholesome & One-Pan Delicious! 🍗🥦🍋
🎉 Introduction

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is going to be a weeknight lifesaver. It’s a one-pan recipe that balances lean protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy orzo pasta for a dish that feels both hearty and healthy.

The chicken sausage brings savory flavor, the broccoli adds freshness and crunch, and the orzo ties it all together in a silky, cheesy sauce. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal dishes and maximum flavor.

This recipe is kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches for the week, or just want something cozy and filling without fuss, this dish checks all the boxes.

🧰 Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan with lid

Cutting board & sharp knife

Wooden spoon or spatula

Measuring cups & spoons

Cheese grater

🛒 Ingredients
Protein

12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds

Vegetables

2 cups broccoli florets

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Pantry

1 cup orzo pasta

2 ½ cups chicken broth

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Dairy

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

Oils

1 tbsp olive oil

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Cook the sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the orzo

Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.

Step 4: Build the base

Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add broccoli and sausage

Stir in broccoli florets and browned chicken sausage.

Cover again and cook for another 5–6 minutes, until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green.

Step 6: Make it creamy

Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice.

If desired, add heavy cream for extra richness.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.

Serve hot straight from the pan.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.

Freeze: Not recommended (orzo may become mushy).

Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen sauce.

🥄 Variations

Protein Swap: Use shrimp, turkey sausage, or diced chicken breast.

Veggie Boost: Add peas, zucchini, or spinach along with the broccoli.

Extra Creamy: Stir in cream cheese or ricotta for richness.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy chicken sausage.

Lemon Herb Twist: Stir in fresh basil or parsley for brightness.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous work well.

Do I need to cook orzo separately?
No, it cooks right in the skillet with broth for flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add lemon juice and cheese just before serving for freshness.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely—add in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

What cheese works best?
Parmesan is classic, but pecorino or asiago are also great.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s mild, cheesy, and balanced.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and skip Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or another GF pasta.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a wider skillet or Dutch oven.

What sides pair best?
Garlic bread, simple green salad, or roasted veggies.

🏁 Conclusion

This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is proof that one-pan meals can be fast, flavorful, and nourishing. With just 30 minutes and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that balances protein, veggies, and pasta beautifully.

It’s versatile enough to customize with different veggies or proteins, making it a weeknight staple you’ll come back to again and again.