Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe Easy One-Pot Dinner

Introduction

The creamy chicken sausage and broccoli orzo dinner is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Picture this: tender orzo pasta simmered in a velvety sauce, paired with savory chicken sausage and fresh broccoli—it’s the perfect one-pot wonder. I first stumbled upon this gem when I was looking for a quick meal to satisfy my family’s picky taste buds (and my need to avoid washing multiple pans!). Over the years, it’s become a weeknight staple in our house.

What makes this dish so special is its simplicity. You get restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to anyone’s dietary preferences or pantry stock. Whether you’re trying to sneak veggies into a kids’ meal or impress dinner guests without breaking a sweat, this recipe truly delivers.

If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, hearty sausage flavors, and meals that come together in under an hour, you’ll adore this creamy chicken sausage and broccoli orzo dinner. Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required! Everything cooks in one pot, saving you time and effort.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and mild flavors, while adults appreciate the hearty, satisfying elements.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for a grocery hunt—this dish uses pantry staples and fresh produce that’s easy to find.
• Versatile: You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or seasonal ingredients.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of creamy sauce, savory sausage, and tender broccoli will have everyone asking for seconds.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken sausage adds a smoky richness, the orzo absorbs all the creamy goodness, and the broccoli provides a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast. It’s comfort food at its finest, and honestly, it’s hard not to make this a weekly rotation.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Sausage: Pre-cooked sausage, sliced into rounds (I love a smoked variety for extra flavor).
• Orzo Pasta: About 1 cup (200g). This small, rice-shaped pasta is ideal for soaking up creamy sauces.
• Broccoli: Fresh florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups (480ml). Adds depth to your sauce while cooking the orzo perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml). For that luscious, creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (40g), grated. Adds richness and a touch of saltiness.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. Used to sauté the sausage and broccoli.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Provides a savory kick.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

Feel free to substitute ingredients as needed! For example, swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, or use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage. It’s all about making the recipe work for you.

Equipment Needed

• Large Skillet or Pot: A deep skillet or pot works best for this one-pot recipe.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the sausage and chopping the broccoli.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Grater: For the Parmesan cheese.

If you don’t have a deep skillet, a Dutch oven works great as an alternative. I’ve even made this in a large non-stick saucepan when my go-to pan was in the dishwasher—just make sure it’s big enough to hold everything!

Preparation Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly softened. Remove the sausage and broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
5. Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Return the sausage and broccoli to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the dish and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
9. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overcook the broccoli! It should be tender yet still slightly crisp to add texture to the dish.
• If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
• To avoid sticking, stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks.
• For a deeper flavor, try browning the chicken sausage until it develops golden edges—it adds a smoky richness to the dish.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability. Pre-shredded cheese can be harder to incorporate.

One mistake I made early on was letting the garlic burn—trust me, a bitter garlic flavor can ruin the dish. Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly when cooking it.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice, adjusting cooking times as needed.
• Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty protein alternative.
• Spicy: Use a spicy chicken sausage and add extra red pepper flakes or chili oil for a little heat.
• Low-Carb: Substitute the orzo with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for a lighter option.
• Seasonal Twist: Swap broccoli with asparagus in spring or butternut squash in fall for a seasonal variation.

One of my favorite variations is adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy burst of flavor. They pair beautifully with the creamy sauce!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken sausage and broccoli orzo dinner warm, straight out of the skillet. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine or sparkling water.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce, and warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.

While this recipe doesn’t freeze as well due to the creamy sauce, you can freeze the cooked sausage and broccoli separately for quicker assembly next time.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g

This dish offers a balanced mix of protein from the chicken sausage, fiber from the broccoli, and energy-boosting carbs from the orzo. Plus, the creamy sauce makes it feel indulgent while still being filling and satisfying.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a one-pot meal that’s comforting, easy, and downright delicious, this creamy chicken sausage and broccoli orzo dinner is the answer. It’s a recipe you can customize to your heart’s content and it’s guaranteed to leave everyone at the table happy and full.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe Easy One-Pot Dinner

Print Recipe

A comforting one-pot dinner featuring creamy orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and fresh broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: paula
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (40g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes
• Pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
• Fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly softened. Remove the sausage and broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
5. Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Return the sausage and broccoli to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the dish and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
9. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be tender yet slightly crisp.’, ‘If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it.’, ‘Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to avoid sticking.’, ‘Brown the chicken sausage for a smoky flavor.’, ‘Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and meltability.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Fat: 22
• Carbohydrates: 35
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 20

Keywords: Creamy chicken sausage orzo, one-pot dinner, easy weeknight meal, broccoli orzo recipe, family-friendly dinner