Can I make Chicken Sausage Orzo ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Sausage Orzo is excellent for meal prep. You can cook it in advance and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the creamy texture and prevent the orzo from drying out.

What type of chicken sausage works best for this recipe?

This recipe is flexible — you can use sweet, spicy, or apple-infused chicken sausage based on your taste preference. Aidell’s Chicken & Apple Sausage is a great choice for a touch of sweetness, while spicy Italian-style chicken sausage brings a kick. Make sure the sausage is fully cooked before adding it to the skillet.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free or dairy-free?

Absolutely! To make Chicken Sausage Orzo gluten-free, swap the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice (adjust cook time accordingly). For a dairy-free version, simply omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. The dish still turns out flavorful thanks to the sausage and garlic.

Chicken Sausage Orzo – Easy Pot Dinner Recipe

Name: Chicken Sausage Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz chicken sausage: Provides savory, meaty flavor and protein; 3 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds crunch, color, and nutrients; 1 tbsp minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and savory balance; 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing and enriching flavor; 1 cup uncooked orzo: A rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavor while cooking; 2 1/3 cups chicken broth: Cooks the orzo and adds savory depth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into a creamy finish with umami flavor

Description

This Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a quick, one-pot dinner packed with savory chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, crisp broccoli, and melted Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and easy to customize for different tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz chicken sausage: Provides savory, meaty flavor and protein
3 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds crunch, color, and nutrients
1 tbsp minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and savory balance
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing and enriching flavor
1 cup uncooked orzo: A rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavor while cooking
2 1/3 cups chicken broth: Cooks the orzo and adds savory depth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into a creamy finish with umami flavor

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Instructions

Slice the chicken sausage into half-moon pieces.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until golden, about 2 minutes per side.
Add minced garlic and broccoli florets. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until broccoli is slightly softened.
Add the uncooked orzo and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm.

Notes

Use pre-cooked chicken sausage for faster prep.
Add a splash of cream for extra richness.
Substitute broccoli with spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for variety.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 457 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 1622 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 74 mg