If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes quick, comforting, wholesome, and full of flavor this Chicken Sausage With Broccoli and Orzo is exactly the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a cozy dinner at home but simple enough to throw together after a busy day. The tender orzo soaks up every drop of savory flavor, while the chicken sausage adds a hearty, satisfying bite. With vibrant broccoli folded in, this becomes a complete one-pan meal that tastes as good as it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe is weeknight magic. Everything cooks in one pan, which means less mess and more time to relax. Chicken sausage brings a comforting, savory flavor without the heaviness of traditional sausage. The orzo makes this dish creamy and luxurious without needing cream, and the broccoli brightens everything with color and texture.

The combination of garlic, broth, and herbs builds a rich, cozy flavor that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Best of all, the orzo cooks right in the skillet, absorbing all the delicious seasoning and becoming soft and silky. This dish is warm, nourishing, and perfect for anyone who wants something that tastes indulgent yet feels balanced.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need simple pantry ingredients to bring this beautiful meal together:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 chicken sausages, sliced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley

The orzo and broth create a creamy base, while the sausage and broccoli add protein and crunch.

How to Make Chicken Sausage With Broccoli and Orzo

1. Brown the chicken sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and let it brown on both sides. This step adds depth and gives the dish a savory, caramelized flavor.

2. Cook the aromatics

Add the onions and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. These aromatics create the foundation for the cozy, comforting flavor.

3. Add the orzo and seasonings

Stir in the uncooked orzo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the orzo toast in the pan for a minute — this step enhances the nutty flavor and helps the pasta keep a perfect texture as it cooks.

4. Add broth and simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo begins to soften.

5. Add the broccoli

Stir in the broccoli florets and continue cooking until the orzo is tender and creamy and the broccoli is bright green. If the mixture gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

6. Finish with parmesan and lemon

Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and lemon juice. The cheese melts into the orzo and creates a silky, creamy texture. The lemon brightens the whole dish and balances the richness.

7. Serve warm

Sprinkle with extra parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh parsley for a final touch. Serve immediately while the orzo is perfectly tender and saucy.

What to Serve It With

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Garlic bread
• A simple side salad
• Roasted tomatoes
• Steamed green beans
• Grilled zucchini

For a larger dinner, pair it with soup or a crisp glass of white wine.

Tips for Perfect Orzo

• Stir often to prevent sticking.
• Don’t overcook orzo becomes creamy, but it should maintain a slight bite.
• Add broth slowly if needed, depending on how fast your orzo cooks.
• Use high-quality chicken sausage for deeper flavor.
• Add lemon at the end to keep the freshness bright.

Variations You Can Try

This recipe is extremely flexible, so feel free to play around with the ingredients:

• Creamy Version: Add 1/4 cup cream or cream cheese.
• Veggie-Loaded: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Spicy Version: Use spicy chicken sausage + chili flakes.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
• High-Protein: Add white beans or chickpeas.

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers they reheat beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Store for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without broccoli for best texture, up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Add a splash of water or broth to return the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Sausage With Broccoli and Orzo is everything you want in a cozy dinner — warm, flavorful, filling, and unbelievably easy. It’s a dish that feels comforting and nourishing, yet still light enough for weeknights. With tender orzo, savory sausage, and vibrant broccoli, every bite feels delicious and balanced. Once you make it, you’ll want it on your weekly rotation it’s that good.