Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo
Looking for an easy, comforting dinner that comes together in one skillet? This Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo combines smoky sausage, tender broccoli, toasted orzo, and Parmesan cheese in a rich and creamy sauce. Everything cooks together on the stovetop, making this a delicious one skillet dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
This creamy sausage orzo is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying homemade meal without a lot of cleanup.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo
One-skillet meal: Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
Ready in under 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Creamy and cheesy: Heavy cream and Parmesan create a rich, smooth sauce.
Packed with flavor: Smoked sausage, tomato paste, garlic, paprika, and Parmesan add plenty of savory flavor.
Includes broccoli: Tender broccoli adds color, texture, and vegetables to the meal.
Family-friendly: A comforting combination of creamy orzo, sausage, broccoli, and cheese.
Great leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo Ingredients
Smoked Sausage
Diced smoked sausage is browned until the edges become caramelized. It adds a smoky, savory flavor throughout the dish.
Yellow Onion
Diced onion cooks with the sausage and adds a naturally sweet and savory base.
Olive Oil
A little olive oil helps brown the sausage and soften the onion.
Orzo
Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly. Toasting it briefly in the skillet adds extra depth of flavor.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth provides the liquid needed to cook the orzo while adding savory flavor.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream gives this sausage orzo its rich and creamy consistency.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly shredded Parmesan melts into the sauce for a delicious cheesy finish.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste adds concentrated flavor, a subtle tanginess, and beautiful color to the dish.
Broccoli
Fresh chopped broccoli cooks directly in the skillet with the orzo and absorbs the flavorful broth.
Seasonings
Chicken bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper bring the entire dish together.
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How To Make Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced smoked sausage and yellow onion.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onion has softened.
Transfer the sausage and onions to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Using the same skillet, add the tomato paste and orzo along with a small splash of chicken broth.
Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the orzo to lightly toast.
This quick step adds extra flavor to the finished dish.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo and Broccoli
Pour in the remaining chicken broth and add the chopped broccoli.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Stir in the heavy cream, shredded Parmesan cheese, chicken bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Continue stirring until the Parmesan has melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Add the Sausage
Return the cooked sausage and onions to the skillet.
Stir everything together and serve the Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo warm.
Tips for Making the Best Sausage Orzo
Toast the orzo. Don't skip this quick step. Toasting the orzo with tomato paste gives it a deeper, slightly nutty flavor.
Use freshly shredded Parmesan. Parmesan shredded directly from a block generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Stir while the orzo cooks. Orzo can settle on the bottom of the skillet as it absorbs the broth, so give it an occasional stir.
Adjust the consistency. Orzo continues absorbing liquid after cooking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth and stir until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Watch the seasoning. Smoked sausage, Parmesan, chicken broth, and bouillon can all contain sodium, so taste before adding additional salt.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes. Frozen broccoli can be used if you don't have fresh broccoli available. Add it to the skillet with the broth and allow it to heat through and become tender as the orzo cooks. Depending on the size of the frozen broccoli pieces, you may need a little extra cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo?
Allow leftovers to cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Because the orzo continues absorbing liquid as it sits, the leftovers may become thicker. When reheating, add a small splash of chicken broth or water and stir until creamy and heated through.
What To Serve With Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo
This creamy orzo dinner can be served on its own because it already contains sausage, pasta, and broccoli. For a larger meal, pair it with:
A simple green salad
Roasted vegetables
Garlic bread
Steamed vegetables
A light cucumber salad
Easy One-Skillet Dinner for Busy Weeknights
This Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo is a great option when you want a comforting homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The smoky sausage, creamy Parmesan sauce, tender broccoli, and toasted orzo create a satisfying combination in every bite.
With approximately 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, this easy skillet dinner is perfect for weeknights, family meals, and cozy dinners at home.
If you enjoy easy skillet recipes, try Cajun Dirty Rice, Easy Queso Taco Rice, or Pepper Chicken next.
Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 pound smoked sausage, diced
½ cup yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups orzo
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups broccoli, chopped
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced sausage and onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and the onion has softened. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
In the same skillet, add tomato paste and orzo with a splash of chicken broth. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until the orzo is lightly toasted.
Pour in the remaining chicken broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Return the cooked sausage and onions to the skillet. Stir everything together and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
The orzo will continue absorbing liquid as it sits. If the dish becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of chicken broth before serving.
For the smoothest sauce, freshly shred the Parmesan cheese from a block.
Nutrition per serving: Approximately 839 calories, 55g carbohydrates, 34g protein, and 53g fat. Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Final Thoughts
If you love creamy pasta dinners, easy skillet meals, and hearty sausage recipes, this Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo is an easy recipe to add to your weeknight rotation. It combines simple ingredients into a comforting one-pan meal with plenty of smoky, cheesy flavor.