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Best Orzo Dinner Recipe – A Cozy, One-Pan Orzo with Savory Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, Garlic, and Parmesan

Comforting, simple, and incredibly satisfying, the Best Orzo Dinner Recipe is the kind of meal you turn to when you want something warm, nourishing, and easy to pull together. This dish combines tender orzo pasta simmered in flavorful chicken broth with savory chicken sausage, vibrant broccoli florets, fragrant garlic, and a generous finish of grated Parmesan cheese. Every bite is cozy, balanced, and packed with comforting flavor. What makes this recipe stand out is its one-pan simplicity and rich texture. As the orzo cooks directly in the broth, it absorbs all the savory goodness, becoming creamy without any added cream. The chicken sausage adds depth and protein, broccoli brings freshness and color, and Parmesan ties everything together with a salty, umami-rich finish. It’s a complete dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe is naturally high in protein and incredibly versatile. Easy to make, easy to love, and hard to mess up, this Best Orzo Dinner Recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 1 lb chicken sausage sliced into rounds
Pasta & Liquid
  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fats & Finish
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • These ingredients come together to create a creamy savory orzo dinner that’s rich in flavor and incredibly comforting.

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
  3. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
  1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic.
  2. Cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
  1. Add orzo pasta to the skillet.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
  1. Stir in broccoli florets.
  2. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until broccoli is tender but still bright green.
Step 5: Combine Everything
  1. Return cooked chicken sausage to the skillet.
  2. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Stir well to combine and heat through.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
  1. Remove skillet from heat.
  2. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  2. Serve warm straight from the pan.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the orzo if needed.
🥄 Variations
Extra Creamy: Add more Parmesan at the end
Veggie-Forward: Increase broccoli quantity
Garlic Lover’s Version: Add extra garlic
Meal Prep Friendly: Portion into containers
Lighter Option: Use slightly less cheese
Family Style: Double the recipe in a larger pan
❓ 10 FAQs
Is orzo pasta or rice?
Orzo is a small pasta shaped like rice.
Does orzo get creamy?
Yes, when cooked in broth.
Can I use any chicken sausage?
Yes, fully cooked chicken sausage works best.
Is this dish filling?
Very filling and satisfying.
Can kids eat this?
Yes, it’s mild and family-friendly.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it reheats well.
Does broccoli get mushy?
No, added near the end.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, easily.
What does Parmesan add?
Saltiness and creamy depth.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely.
🏁 Conclusion
This Best Orzo Dinner Recipe is everything a comforting one-pan meal should be — creamy, savory, simple, and deeply satisfying. With tender orzo, flavorful chicken sausage, vibrant broccoli, and rich Parmesan cheese, it delivers balanced nutrition and big flavor without complicated steps. Whether you’re feeding your family or planning leftovers, this dish is a reliable favorite you’ll want to make again and again.