Flavorful Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo : A Light and Healthy One-Pan Meal

This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a weeknight wonder—packed with flavor, loaded with nutrients, and cooked in just one skillet. Combining juicy chicken sausage, tender broccoli florets, and creamy orzo pasta, this recipe is light, wholesome, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution when you’re short on time but craving something satisfying and nutritious.

Whether you’re planning healthy meal prep, looking for chicken sausage lunch ideas, or craving smoked sausage and broccoli recipes, this easy dish will fit perfectly into your routine. Plus, it’s fully customizable, kid-friendly, and reheats like a dream.

If you’re also a fan of veggie-packed meals, check out Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry or Vegetable Casserole for more comforting, healthy options.

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What Is Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo?

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a simple one-pan skillet meal made with sliced chicken sausage, fresh or frozen broccoli, garlic, onion, and orzo pasta. Everything is cooked together, creating a delicious, creamy consistency as the orzo absorbs the flavors of the sausage and seasonings.

This dish is similar in ease to recipes like One-Pan Ground Chicken Casserole and works just as well for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s hearty without being heavy and delivers a comforting, homey taste with minimal effort.

Why This Skillet Meal Works

• Quick Cooking: Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
• One Pan = Less Cleanup: All ingredients cook in the same skillet, saving you time in the kitchen.
• Healthy & Balanced: Lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and whole-grain pasta if you choose.
• Flexible: You can easily swap ingredients to suit what’s in your fridge.

If you enjoy fast, family-friendly meals like this, you might also love Slow Cooker Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans or Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes.

Ingredient Overview

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish both delicious and nutritious.

Chicken Sausage

Use fully cooked chicken sausage links, sliced into rounds. You can choose from:

• Garlic herb chicken sausage
• Smoked chicken sausage
• Spicy or Cajun varieties for heat

You can also use Smoked Sausage in healthy bowls or switch it up with plant-based options for a vegan version.

Broccoli

Fresh or frozen broccoli florets both work here. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.

Need more greens? Try adding kale or spinach—just like in Orzo and Kale Recipes that boost nutrition without changing the flavor.

Orzo Pasta

Orzo looks like rice but is actually a small pasta. It becomes creamy as it cooks with the other ingredients, eliminating the need for cream or cheese. For added fiber, try whole-wheat orzo.

Flavor Builders

• Onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: Parmesan, chili flakes, or fresh parsley for garnish

Want more light pasta recipes? Don’t miss Creamy Mushroom Pasta or Vegetarian Pasta Primavera.

Kitchen Tools Required

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

• Large nonstick skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Cheese grater (optional, for parmesan)

No fancy equipment necessary—perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken Sausage

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and heated through. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté chopped onions for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Broccoli and Orzo

Stir in the orzo pasta and broccoli florets. Add about 2 ½ cups of broth (chicken or vegetable) and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Cook Until Tender

Cover the skillet and let everything cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If needed, add more broth to maintain a creamy texture.

5. Finish and Serve

Return the sausage to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir to combine. Optional: sprinkle with parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.

Serve warm and enjoy! For something similar in texture and warmth, try Creamy White Turkey Chili or Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken.

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Recipe Tips and Cooking Techniques

• Cut broccoli small so it cooks evenly with the orzo.
• Use pre-cooked sausage to save time and ensure food safety.
• Don’t overcook the orzo—it should be tender but not mushy.
• Broth matters: Use a flavorful broth for added depth.

If you enjoy quick-cooking grain dishes, try Garlic Mushroom Pasta or Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas.

Healthy Swaps and Variations

Add Kale or Spinach

Toss in chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added greens. It pairs beautifully with the sausage and orzo.

Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice or quinoa. The texture changes slightly, but the flavor remains excellent.

Try Different Sausages

Swap chicken sausage for turkey, veggie, or smoked sausage depending on your preferences.

For a similar veggie-packed skillet dish, try Creamy Tuscan Chickpeas.

Meal Prep and Storage

This recipe is perfect for healthy weekly meal prep. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen.
• Make Ahead: Cook the sausage and chop veggies in advance to cut down on weekday prep.

Also check out Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches and Make Ahead Breakfast Bowls for more prep-friendly recipes.

What to Serve with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

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

• Simple salads like Cucumber Dill Salad
• Roasted veggies or Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
• A slice of Cheesy Zucchini Bread

It’s also a great addition to a Healthy Lunch spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the broccoli – Add it with the orzo, not before.
• Not stirring enough – Orzo can stick to the pan if left unattended.
• Too much liquid – Add broth gradually as needed.
• Using raw sausage – Make sure the sausage is fully cooked before slicing.

Avoid these mistakes and your skillet meal will come out perfect every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the optional parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. No need to thaw—just increase cooking time by a few minutes.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan and watch your liquid ratios.

Is orzo the same as rice?
No—it’s a pasta shaped like rice but cooks like any other pasta.

For more quick answers, browse our Dinner Category full of easy recipes.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo skillet is a fantastic way to bring together convenience, flavor, and nutrition in one easy dish. It’s ideal for meal prepping, school lunches, or a stress-free weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.

If you found this recipe helpful, be sure to share it with your friends, and subscribe to our blog for more healthy, easy meals that make life simpler and more delicious.

Looking for more sausage-based ideas? Try Crockpot Sausage Dip or browse the full Dinner Archives to keep your meal plan fresh.

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