One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo

5 from 28 votes

One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo

This Chicken Sausage Orzo is ready in less than an hour and only requires six ingredients! Made with chicken sausage, aromatics, broccoli, and a creamy consistency, this recipe is a delicious way to liven up weekly dinners. Serve it with crusty bread from the store for a comforting meal.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Course: Main

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: people

Author: Brianna May

Equipment

Ingredients

4 fully cooked chicken sausages, sliced
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry orzo
4 cups chopped fresh broccoli*
1 cup half and half
3 ounces 1 cup parmigiano reggiano, shredded or grated

Instructions

In a large skillet, add about 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken sausage slices to the skillet. Sauté for about 8 minutes, or until browned on both sides.
4 fully cooked chicken sausages, sliced
Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and cook for 1 minute, ensuring it's well coated with the oil and garlic.
8 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup dry orzo
Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the broccoli. Season with about 1 teaspoon of Morton kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
4 cups chopped fresh broccoli*
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to ensure the orzo does not stick, or until the orzo is almost cooked through.
Pour in the half and half and bring to a light boil. Cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, stirring continuously, or until the orzo is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
1 cup half and half
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of hot water to loosen it.
3 ounces 1 cup parmigiano reggiano, shredded or grated

Notes

Broccoli: Be sure to use bite-sized pieces of broccoli for this chicken sausage orzo, so it’s easier to eat once the recipe is done. I’ve included instructions to create al dente broccoli. If you prefer it soft, microwave to steam it for a few minutes first before adding it in.
Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
Use parmigiano reggiano. I recommend using a good-quality Parmigiano Reggiano when making this one-pan chicken sausage orzo since the ingredients list is short. With recipes including simple ingredients, it’s easier to notice the quality of each element. Parmigiano Reggiano has a bolder flavor than regular parmesan cheese, so it’s worth the higher cost if you can swing it.
Toast the orzo first. To make this creamy chicken sausage orzo an even more delicious recipe, I recommend toasting the wheat pasta for a few minutes first. While not required, this extra step will add a nice golden-brown color to the pasta and increase the flavor of the chicken sausage orzo recipe.
Occasionally stir the orzo. This helps create the best creamy pasta dish by preventing the pasta from sticking while cooking. Avoid letting the orzo simmer over medium heat untouched, as you'll end up with a clumpy recipe.
Use a different green vegetable. Alter this chicken sausage orzo to your preferences by using different green veggies instead of broccoli. Spinach and asparagus work well with this recipe.
Try rotisserie chicken instead of chicken sausage. If you're not a fan of chicken sausage or you don't have any on hand, you can use rotisserie chicken instead. Be sure to chop the chicken breasts into chunks and remove the skin before incorporating it into the recipe. Another great alternative is spicy Italian chicken sausage.
Add cayenne pepper for heat. This Italian sausage orzo recipe is delicious with a kick of heat. I always recommend starting with 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne and increasing to your preferences. Adding more cayenne later is better than having an overly spicy dish. You can also use red pepper flakes for heat in this cooked orzo dish.
Swap half and half for heavy cream. If you want a more comforting recipe, you can swap half and half for heavy cream. Since heavy cream has a higher fat content, it will make the dish feel and taste more decadent. Use a 1:1 ratio.

Nutrition