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Creamy One-Pot Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo

A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta, chicken sausage, and broccoli in a creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin for flavor)
  • 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced (choose brands without fillers)
  • 1 small onion, diced (sweet onions work beautifully)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is key)
  • 1 cup orzo (a small pasta that cooks quickly)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (homemade is best; use low-sodium if store-bought)
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk is preferred, or substitute with almond or oat milk)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best; frozen can be used if needed)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground elevates the flavor)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
  2. Add 12 ounces of sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in 1 small diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add 1 cup of orzo, followed by 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously.
  5. Once simmering, cover the pot and let cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.
  6. Uncover and add 2 cups of broccoli florets and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts and broccoli is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, mix to combine, and serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For customization, consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or adjusting flavors with lemon juice or fresh herbs.