When you need dinner on the table fast but refuse to sacrifice flavor, this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is your answer. This one-pot wonder combines tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli florets in a creamy, cheesy sauce that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and comforting carbs. The orzo absorbs all the flavorful chicken broth while cooking, creating a naturally creamy texture without heavy cream. A final squeeze of bright lemon juice and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese transform simple ingredients into one of the most satisfying healthy dinner recipes you’ll make all week.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the same skillet, reducing cleanup. No more juggling multiple pots or facing a sink full of dishes after a long day.
Hidden Veggies: Broccoli cooks right in the pasta water, making it easy to eat your greens. The florets become tender and flavorful, absorbing all the savory broth alongside the orzo.
Kid Friendly: Orzo is a small pasta shape that kids love, making this great for healthy dinner recipes for family nights. Its rice-like appearance makes it less intimidating than traditional pasta shapes for picky eaters.
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Ingredients
Chicken Sausage: Pre-cooked links (like Italian or Apple flavor), sliced into coins. These savory rounds add smoky, seasoned flavor and protein without any extra cooking time.
Orzo Pasta: Rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly. The tiny grains become tender and creamy, creating an almost risotto-like texture as they absorb the broth.
Broccoli: Fresh florets, cut small. These emerald-green pieces add color, crunch, and a boost of vitamins to make this truly one of the best healthy dinner meals.
Chicken Broth: Flavorful cooking liquid. The orzo drinks up this savory base, infusing every grain with rich, comforting taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Makes the sauce creamy without heavy cream. It melts into the hot orzo, creating a silky coating that clings to every piece of pasta and vegetable.
How to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Brown Sausage: Sauté sliced sausage in a skillet until browned. Remove and set aside, leaving behind those flavorful browned bits that will add depth to the dish.
- Toast Orzo: Add dry orzo and garlic to the pan. Toast for 1 minute until the pasta becomes fragrant and lightly golden, which adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Simmer: Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, allowing the orzo to slowly absorb all that savory liquid.
- Add Veggies: Halfway through cooking, stir in the broccoli florets. They’ll steam right in the pasta, becoming perfectly tender without any extra steps.
- Finish: When liquid is absorbed, stir in sausage, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. The cheese melts into a creamy sauce while the lemon adds a bright, fresh finish.
Tips for the Best Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Stir Often: Orzo likes to stick to the bottom of the pan. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking throughout.
Small Broccoli: Cut broccoli into tiny pieces so it cooks in the same time as the pasta. Bite-sized florets mean perfectly tender vegetables and no crunchy surprises.
Lemon is Key: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the whole dish. It cuts through the richness and makes all the flavors pop with restaurant-quality freshness.
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Variations
Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end instead of broccoli. The tender leaves wilt instantly, adding vibrant color and nutrients without changing the cooking time—perfect for healthy dinner recipes easy to customize.
Creamy Tomato: Add a spoonful of tomato paste for a pink sauce. This creates a gorgeous color and adds tangy sweetness that transforms this into one of the most comforting simple healthy dinner recipes.
Gluten Free: Use a gluten-free orzo or rice for healthy dinner ideas that accommodate dietary restrictions. You’ll get the same creamy comfort with ingredients everyone can enjoy.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for bursts of intense, sweet-tart flavor. They add Mediterranean flair and make this feel extra gourmet.
Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the sausage for earthy depth. This turns the dish into one of the most satisfying healthy dinner recipes for two when you want something extra hearty.
What to Serve with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Garlic bread: Crusty, buttery slices are perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce. The crispy edges and soft center provide textural contrast to the tender orzo.
Roasted cherry tomatoes: Sweet, blistered tomatoes add bright acidity and a pop of color. Their juicy bursts complement the rich, savory pasta beautifully.
A simple vinaigrette salad: Crisp greens dressed in tangy vinaigrette provide a refreshing counterpoint. The clean, fresh flavors balance the comfort of the creamy main dish.
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, just stir it in a minute or two later than fresh. Frozen florets are already partially cooked, so they need less time to become perfectly tender in this healthy dinner recipes for family favorite.
Is orzo rice or pasta? It is pasta shaped like rice! Despite its grain-like appearance, orzo is made from semolina flour and cooks just like any other pasta.
Can I freeze this? Pasta dishes can get mushy when frozen, so it’s best fresh. However, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of broth to restore the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts on Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a weeknight hero that deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein and veggies, proving that quick meals can be incredibly satisfying. The combination of savory sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy Parmesan-coated orzo creates layers of flavor that taste like comfort in a bowl.
Whether you’re searching for healthy dinner recipes for weight losing that don’t feel restrictive or need reliable healthy dinner meals that please the whole family, this one-pot wonder checks every box. The minimal cleanup means more time to relax after dinner, while the restaurant-quality taste makes every bite feel special.
Ready to simplify your dinner routine without compromising on flavor? Grab your favorite skillet and whip up this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo tonight. One taste of that creamy, lemony goodness and you’ll understand why this recipe is going straight into your weekly meal plan!
One-Pot Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Brown chicken sausage in olive oil and set aside.
- Toast garlic and orzo briefly.
- Add broth and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Add broccoli and continue cooking.
- Stir in sausage, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Serve.