One-Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli

introduction

One-Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli brings comfort and speed to the weeknight table. I learned to love cooking while standing beside my mother. My name is Adam, and those early lessons taught me how simple ingredients can become special meals. This One-Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli is a cozy, quick skillet dinner that tastes richer than its prep time suggests.

This recipe combines tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and bright broccoli in a single pan. People search for One-Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli because they want a fast, filling meal that cleans up easily. In this article, you will learn what goes into the dish, step-by-step cooking tips, serving ideas, storage advice, and helpful variations. If you like simple chicken sausage dinners, this recipe will become a go-to. For a different chicken flavor profile, try this garlic and herb chicken idea from this recipe.

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One-Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli

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• Author: issam-blogger
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten-free option available

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Description

This One-Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli is a cozy, quick skillet dinner perfect for weeknights.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 chicken sausages, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the orzo and chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
5. Add the steamed broccoli and grated parmesan, stirring to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm and enjoy your meal!

Notes

For perfect results, keep the heat steady and watch the orzo during simmering. Add liquid as needed to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

why make this recipe

One-Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli offers big flavor with little fuss. It tastes rich because of the parmesan and starchy orzo. It cooks fast. It uses pantry staples and a few fresh items. The one-pan method saves time and limits dishes. You can make it for a busy weeknight, a relaxed weekend lunch, or when you need a satisfying solo meal.

Many people worry about long prep and cleanup. This recipe eases both concerns. The orzo cooks right in the pan, so no extra pots. The sausage adds protein and ready-made seasoning. Broccoli gives color and nutrients without adding much time. If you like creamy chicken dinners, also check this lighter creamy spinach and parmesan chicken for more ideas at this link.

how to make One-Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli

Start by browning the sliced chicken sausage in olive oil. Browning builds flavor. Keep the pan at medium heat so the sausage sears but does not burn. Remove the sausage briefly if your pan is crowded. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Garlic cooks quickly; do not let it brown.

Add dry orzo to the pan and stir to coat it in oil and sausage drippings. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover. Simmer the orzo for 8–10 minutes. Check the pasta at about 8 minutes for tenderness. Orzo cooks fast and can become mushy. Aim for al dente.

Add steamed or blanched broccoli and the grated parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of broth or a bit of milk to loosen it. Return the sausage to the pan and heat through. Taste, then season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Key techniques: brown the sausage well, watch the garlic, and check the orzo early. Timing matters for texture. Avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should stay slightly crisp for contrast. You can keep a lid nearby to trap steam and finish the dish without drying it out. For a breakfast-style sausage technique, you can learn sausage browning tips from this sausage guide.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 chicken sausages, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Each ingredient has a job. Orzo acts as the starch and thickener. Chicken sausage adds protein and seasoning. Broccoli brings color, texture, and vitamins. Garlic gives an aromatic lift. Parmesan creates the creamy, savory base that binds the dish. Chicken broth is your cooking liquid and flavor base. Olive oil helps brown the sausage and coat the orzo.

Swaps and tips: use vegetable broth to keep it meat-free, or use Italian sausage if you prefer more spice. Try pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Use low-sodium broth if you want more control over salt. Buy good-quality sausages and fresh broccoli for the best result. If you use pre-shredded parmesan, be aware it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting; freshly grated cheese melts smoother.

Directions

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the orzo and chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
5. Add the steamed broccoli and grated parmesan, stirring to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm and enjoy your meal!

For perfect results, keep the heat steady and watch the orzo during simmering. If the liquid evaporates before the orzo is tender, add a little hot broth or water. Stir once or twice while simmering to prevent sticking. Finish with cheese off heat so it melts without becoming grainy.

how to serve One-Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli

Serve this dish hot from the pan. Spoon the creamy orzo into bowls and top with extra grated parmesan and a crack of black pepper. A sprinkle of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors. Add chili flakes for heat or chopped fresh parsley for color.

Pair it with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread. For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions with roasted vegetables. For a heartier plate, add a side of garlic roasted potatoes or a simple tomato salad. The dish balances creamy and savory elements with the freshness of broccoli. Texture plays a key role: tender orzo, firm broccoli, and slightly chewy sausage make a pleasing contrast.

how to store One-Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli

Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate in an airtight container. They keep well for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the creaminess. Microwave reheating works too; add liquid and cover to prevent drying.

You can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Place the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note: texture changes slightly after freezing; the broccoli can soften more. To help texture, undercook the broccoli slightly if you plan to freeze.

Follow safe food handling: cool to room temperature within two hours, store promptly, and discard after recommended times.

tips to make One-Pan Creamy Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli

Brown the sausage well to build depth. Use medium heat to avoid burning garlic. Stir the orzo into the fat before adding liquid; this step adds flavor and helps the orzo toast slightly. Watch the liquid level as it simmers and add more broth if needed. Use fresh parmesan for silkier texture. If you want extra cream, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end. Keep broccoli pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly. Taste and adjust salt at the end because the parmesan can add saltiness.

variation (if any)

• Veggie-forward: Replace chicken sausage with sautéed mushrooms and add spinach for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth.
• Spicy: Use spicy Italian chicken sausage or add red pepper flakes and diced tomatoes for a zesty twist.
• Lemon Parmesan: Stir in lemon zest and a bit more parmesan to make it bright and tangy. Add a handful of arugula at the end for peppery notes.
• Cheesy bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 3–4 minutes for a golden crust.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo or a small rice-shaped pasta substitute. Adjust cooking time per package instructions.

Each variation keeps the same one-pan concept while changing texture and flavor. These swaps let you adapt the dish to dietary needs and pantry items.

FAQs

Conclusion

If you want extra inspiration or a similar take on this comfort skillet, check this Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet for a comparable version that highlights the same simple combo: Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet – Lolo Home Kitchen. For a creamy, protein-rich variant, see this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet which uses similar techniques and seasoning: Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet – Eat Yourself Skinny. If you want ideas swapping broccoli types or adding broccolini, this Broccolini, Chicken Sausage, and Orzo Skillet shows another simple route: Broccolini, Chicken Sausage, and Orzo Skillet | The Kitchn.