Name: Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into rounds; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets; 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or more, to taste); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 (14 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you’re craving a hearty yet wholesome meal that bursts with vibrant flavors, the Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines tender orzo pasta with savory chicken sausage, bright tomato sauce, and crisp broccoli florets to create a perfect balance of textures and colors. It’s a one-pot wonder that cooks in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste or comfort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a reliable favorite you’ll turn to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There are six thin slices of light pink meat with an orange outer edge arranged in a slightly overlapping row on a white plate, centered against a white marbled surface. The texture of the meat looks smooth and uniform, and the orange edge is consistent around each slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients, each selected to add a unique touch of flavor, texture, or color. From the richness of chicken sausage to the fresh crunch of broccoli, everything works together beautifully.

1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a silky base flavor to the dish.
12 ounces chicken sausage (cut into rounds): Adds a savory, protein-packed punch with a hint of spice depending on your sausage choice.
1/2 medium onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and depth when gently cooked.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with that irresistible aromatic warmth.
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: The tiny pasta that soaks up all the saucy goodness perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or more, to taste): Gives the dish a familiar Italian flair with herbs like oregano and basil.
2 cups chicken broth: For adding moisture and savory complexity.
1 (14 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce: The heart of the dish, providing rich tomato flavor and vibrant color.
2 cups broccoli (cut into small florets): Adds a fresh green crunch that balances out the heartiness.
1/2 red bell pepper (chopped): Offers a subtle sweetness and brightens the plate.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste): For a finishing touch of creamy, salty goodness.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.

How to Make Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by slicing your chicken sausage into rounds for even cooking and easy bites, or if you prefer, carefully remove the sausage from its casing to create a more rustic texture. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, cut the broccoli into small florets, and dice the red bell pepper so everything is ready to go once the cooking begins.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat, then add the chicken sausage rounds. Cook for about 5 minutes until they develop a lovely golden-brown sear that deepens the flavor base of the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Onion

Add the chopped onion to the pot and continue sautéing for another 4 minutes. This step mellows the onion, bringing out its natural sweetness and perfectly complementing the savory sausage.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Orzo

Stir in the minced garlic and orzo pasta, cooking for around 30 seconds just until fragrant. This quick step toasting the orzo will give the pasta a slightly nutty undertone once fully cooked.

Step 5: Pour in Liquids and Simmer with Veggies

Mix in the Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to bubble gently before adding the broccoli florets and chopped red bell pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Keep the heat at medium or medium-low so the orzo cooks evenly, absorbing all those delicious flavors while the vegetables soften but maintain some crispness.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Once the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened lightly, season the dish with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve it up immediately with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of indulgent flavor.

How to Serve Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

A large light yellow pot filled with a thick stew made of small orange rice pieces mixed with green broccoli florets, red bell pepper chunks, and small golden-brown cooked meat pieces, all in a rich red tomato-based sauce. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, with sauce residue visible inside the pot near the rim. The dish looks hearty and colorful with the contrasting colors of red, green, and orange. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a burst of color and freshness that brighten the plate beautifully. Don’t shy away from adding an extra handful of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to elevate the presentation and flavor experience.

Side Dishes

This hearty one-pot meal stands well on its own, but if you want to offer more, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread makes the perfect pairing. These options keep the meal balanced while enhancing the tomato and sausage flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner, serve this dish straight from the pot family-style so everyone can dig in. If you’re hosting, try plating individual portions in shallow bowls with a decorative sprinkle of herbs and parmesan. You can even add a wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze over for a bright finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable as fresh.

Freezing

If you want to keep this meal longer, freezing is possible but with a small caveat. The broccoli might lose some of its texture after thawing. For best results, freeze without the cheese, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. This keeps the orzo creamy and prevents it from drying out. Microwave reheating works too but stir occasionally for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken sausage keeps the dish lighter, Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage can all work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking times slightly if needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo alternatives made from rice or corn that will work just as well in this dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken sausage and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes, or toss in some cooked beans to keep it protein-rich.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and orzo, or choose a spicy chicken sausage for an extra kick that balances perfectly with the tomato sauce.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water with a splash of soy sauce or seasoning can do the trick. Just make sure to adjust the salt accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Recipe a try because it brings warmth, comfort, and a satisfying blend of flavors together in one pot. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to serve guests. Once you savor that tender orzo soaked in rich tomato goodness paired with savory sausage and crisp broccoli, it’s hard not to fall in love. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the magic in your kitchen tonight!