Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo is a one-pan dinner with browned sausage, tender-crisp broccoli, creamy Parmesan-coated pasta, lemon, and parsley. Toasting the orzo before adding broth builds flavor, while two covered cooking stages keep the timing controlled.
The recipe serves exactly 4. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking takes 20 minutes, and total time is 30 minutes. Sausage browns for 3–4 minutes, orzo simmers alone for 8 minutes, and broccoli finishes with the sausage for 4–5 minutes.
Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Ingredients
Use 12 oz chicken sausage cut into ½-inch pieces, 1 cup dry orzo, 4 cups small broccoli florets, 1 medium diced yellow onion, and 3 finely chopped garlic cloves.
Measure 2½ cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend, optional ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Finish with ½ cup grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Buffalo Chicken Bake.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
- Heat half the olive oil over medium-high and brown sausage for 3–4 minutes; remove.
- Add remaining oil and onion; cook 2–3 minutes.
- Add garlic, Italian herbs, and optional red pepper for 30 seconds.
- Toast dry orzo for 1–2 minutes. Add broth, scrape the pan, simmer, reduce to medium-low, cover, and cook 8 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli and sausage; cover and cook 4–5 minutes.
- Off heat, add Parmesan and lemon juice. Season, garnish with parsley, and serve four portions.
For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.
Brown the Sausage First
Soften Onion and Add Aromatics
Toast One Cup Dry Orzo
Add Two and a Half Cups Broth
Cook Covered for Eight Minutes
Return Sausage and Add Broccoli
Finish Off Heat
Season and Serve Four Portions
Keep the One-Pan Sequence Intact
Judge the Final Consistency
Conclusion
Brown 12 oz sausage in 1 tablespoon oil for 3–4 minutes and remove. Cook onion in remaining oil 2–3 minutes; add garlic, herbs, and optional red pepper for 30 seconds. Toast 1 cup orzo 1–2 minutes, add 2½ cups broth, cover, and cook 8 minutes. Add 4 cups broccoli and sausage, cover 4–5 minutes, then stir in ½ cup Parmesan and 2 tablespoons lemon juice off heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does the orzo cook before adding broccoli?
Cook it covered for exactly 8 minutes.
- → When does the browned sausage return to the skillet?
Add it with the broccoli after the first covered orzo stage.
- → Is crushed red pepper required?
No. The measured ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper is optional.
- → How many servings does the recipe make?
It makes exactly four servings.