Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Pasta Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you know the best dinners are the kind that feel like a warm hug but come together quickly on a busy night. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Pasta Recipe with you. It’s that perfect balance of comforting carbs, savory protein, and fresh veggies wrapped into one easy skillet meal.
I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was a weeknight scramble, but the medley of flavors blew me away. The orzo soaks up the garlicky chicken broth beautifully, while the broccoli adds a wonderful pop of green and nutrition. Plus, the chicken sausage brings a hearty, juicy punch that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is fantastic because every ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture. When you shop, look for fresh broccoli and high-quality chicken sausage—you’ll taste the difference. Oh, and grab some good Parmesan; it’s what takes this dish to the next level!
- Orzo pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up the broth, making the dish comforting and hearty.
- Chicken sausage: Choose a flavorful variety like Italian or garlic chicken sausage for a juicy, savory protein boost.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh is best; they bring a crisp bite and vibrant color that make the dish pop.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds that essential aromatic depth that ties everything together.
- Chicken broth: This is where your orzo will cook, so opt for a low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and garlic, it adds a lovely richness without overpowering flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend that elevates the overall flavor with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, of course—seasoning is key!
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it adds a creamy, nutty finish that melts magnificently into the pasta.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley lends a fresh, slightly peppery note and a beautiful garnish.
Variations
I love tweaking this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Pasta Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or the season. Feel free to make it yours—it’s so flexible!
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy chicken sausage—I tried this once and loved the extra kick it gave.
- Swap veggies: If broccoli isn’t your favorite, try asparagus or spinach for that vibrant green punch.
- Make it dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative; it’s just as tasty with a drizzle of extra olive oil.
- Meal prep friendly: Double the recipe and pack leftovers in individual containers for quick lunches.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the sausage and garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until nicely browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. This step is key because the caramelized bits add extra flavor. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not burnt.
Step 2: Add broccoli and orzo
Next, add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet and give it a quick stir. Then pour in the dry orzo pasta and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together so the pasta is well coated in the flavorful oil and sausage juices.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The orzo will absorb most of the broth, and the broccoli will soften perfectly.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and parsley
Once the orzo is tender and the broth has mostly absorbed, remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. This final step makes the dish creamy and fresh, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a little extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh parsley leaves—just for that pop of green and color. Sometimes, I like to drizzle a touch of good olive oil or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Pasta Recipe stands well on its own, but if you want to add sides, a crisp side salad or some toasted garlic bread always hits the spot. I find a simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party, I serve this orzo pasta in small shallow bowls and garnish each with a sprig of parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. It feels fancy without extra fuss! You can even add toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of chili oil for a more gourmet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers from this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Pasta Recipe, I pop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and makes for an easy next-day lunch.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftovers a few times with decent results, although the broccoli texture softens a bit. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheating this orzo pasta is easy—just microwave it with a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce. Alternatively, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and prevent sticking.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage keeps this dish lighter, you can swap in turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times slightly, especially if the sausage is raw.
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Is it necessary to cook the orzo in broth?
Cooking orzo in chicken broth instead of water is what really infuses the pasta with flavor. You can use water in a pinch, but using broth adds richness and depth to the final dish.
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Can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage or roasted chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Omit the Parmesan or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
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How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?
To keep broccoli tender but still crisp, add it midway through cooking and avoid simmering for too long. You want it bright green and slightly firm to complement the creamy orzo.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ingredients ahead by slicing the sausage and chopping the broccoli. For best texture, cook the orzo and combine everything just before serving, or store leftovers as mentioned to reheat later.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Pasta Recipe continues to be one of my go-to meals whenever I want something speedy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. I hope you give it a try and find it just as comforting and easy to love as I do. It’s wonderful for weeknights, leftovers, or anytime you want a delicious, wholesome dish without fuss. Happy cooking!
PrintChicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Pasta is a flavorful one-pot meal combining tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and fresh broccoli florets, all simmered in a rich chicken broth and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups orzo pasta
Proteins
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Begin by slicing the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces, chopping the broccoli into small florets, and mincing the garlic cloves. This ensures all components are ready for cooking.
- Sauté the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, releasing their savory flavors.
- Add garlic and broccoli: Stir in the minced garlic and broccoli florets, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender, stirring frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
- Incorporate liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta directly into the boiling broth. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.
- Finish with cheese and garnish: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or milk along with the Parmesan cheese.
- Feel free to substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas according to preference.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a little broth or water to maintain moisture.
Keywords: chicken sausage pasta, orzo pasta recipe, broccoli pasta, one-pot pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta recipe
