This One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, comforting, and downright delicious without the fuss. Imagine tender slices of savory chicken sausage mingling with garlicky orzo and fresh, vibrant broccoli, all brought together by a creamy parmesan sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s a dish that’s not only easy to whip up but also packs a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will quickly make it one of your go-to dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white pan with many round slices of browned sausage cooking inside. The sausage pieces have a golden brown color with a slight crispy texture on the outside. The pan surface has small spots of oil and browned bits, showing the sausages have been cooked well. The sausages vary in size but are mostly medium-thick, evenly spread across the pan. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple but powerful, the ingredients in this recipe work in perfect harmony. Each item is an essential building block, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish shine. From the spicy chicken sausage to the creamy half and half, every component has a purpose.

Chicken sausages: Fully cooked and sliced, they bring rich, smoky flavor and protein to the dish.
Garlic: Minced fresh cloves add a fragrant punch that wakes up every bite.
Dry orzo: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Fresh broccoli: Chopped for a beautiful pop of green and a lovely crunch.
Half and half: Adds creaminess and helps create a luscious, silky sauce.
Parmigiano Reggiano: Shredded or grated for a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing to enhance flavors and prevent sticking.
Water: To cook the orzo and steam the broccoli, infusing the dish with moisture.
Kosher salt and black pepper: For seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.

How to Make One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Toss in the sliced chicken sausages and sauté them for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally so they brown evenly on all sides. This step is crucial because the caramelized edges add a wonderful depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Toast the Orzo

Next, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant — don’t let it burn! Stir the orzo in and cook for one minute, allowing each tiny pasta grain to get coated in that flavorful oil and garlic. This toasting step boosts the orzo’s nuttiness and ensures a rich base for the sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Broccoli

Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom — this is flavor gold. Stir in the chopped broccoli, season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and prepare for the next step where everything really starts coming together.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo and Broccoli

Bring the skillet to a gentle boil, then cover it. Let the mixture cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. This slow simmer softens the orzo just right and tenderizes the broccoli, so the texture is perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Uncover the skillet and pour in the half and half, bringing the mixture to a light boil. Keep stirring as it cooks for about 5 more minutes until the orzo is fully tender and the sauce thickens into a creamy, dreamy texture. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded Parmigiano Reggiano. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of hot water will loosen it beautifully.

How to Serve One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a creamy dish in a white bowl, filled with small green broccoli florets and thick slices of light brown sausage mixed together with small grains of orzo pasta, all coated in a smooth white sauce. The dish is garnished with small green herb pieces scattered across the surface. A gold and black spoon is scooping some of the mixture, emphasizing the creamy texture and the mix of ingredients. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few basil leaves adds a bright, fresh note that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce. For extra tang, a light drizzle of lemon juice can lift the flavors and add some zing.

Side Dishes

This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted cherry tomatoes can round out the meal perfectly. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices also make lovely companions, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe in individual shallow bowls and sprinkle with additional parmesan and cracked black pepper. Garnish each plate with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. You can also portion it into cute ramekins for a charming presentation that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so it tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect lunch or quick dinner solution for busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, ensure the dish is cooled completely before sealing to maintain quality and prevent ice crystals from forming.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy consistency. Stir frequently to avoid drying out, and add a little extra parmesan for that fresh-from-the-pan flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh uncooked chicken sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you use fresh uncooked chicken sausage, be sure to cook it thoroughly before starting the rest of the recipe. You might want to slice and brown it a bit longer to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the half and half with a dairy-free cream or unsweetened coconut milk, and use a vegan parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

Can I swap the broccoli for another vegetable?

Definitely! This dish is quite versatile. Try substituting with spinach, asparagus, or even peas depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

What type of chicken sausage works best?

Fully cooked, flavorful chicken sausages with herbs or spices are ideal. Look for varieties like Italian-style, garlic, or smoky sausages to complement the dish’s flavor profile.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic, or use a spicy chicken sausage to bring a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds beautifully.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day—comforting, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this recipe offers a perfect balance of taste and convenience that will have you coming back for seconds. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite weeknight staples!