One Skillet Cheesy Orzo with Sausage & Broccoli

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This one-skillet orzo recipe is cheesy and loaded with broccoli and your choice of sausage. It makes the perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights.

You know those weeknights when dinner needs to be fast, filling, and not cause a sink full of dishes? Those are the nights that I absolutely love to use a one-skillet recipe.

This One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Sausage Orzo is one of those magical meals that comes together in about 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and its kid friendly. What more can I ask for from a recipe?

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Why You’ll Love This Orzo Recipe

• It’s a complete meal in one pan—protein, veggie, carb, done.
• Super flexible! You can use chicken sausage, pork sausage, or even ground sausage depending on what you’ve got.
• Creamy, cheesy, cozy—it’s total comfort food.
• Quick cooking time—about 30 minutes start to finish.
• Leftovers keep great in an airtight container for easy lunches or can easily be frozen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to pull this one pot pasta dish together:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – or any type of liquid fat to sauté in
• 12-16 oz smoked sausage, sliced – I like to use a cajun flavored or some of our homemade smoked pork sausage. Use your favorite kind.
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta (this small pasta cooks fast and soaks up flavor!)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth – I use Better than Bouillon Roasted Chicken
• 2 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or frozen both work!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better than already shredded cheese you get at the grocery store.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Supplies

You won’t need anything fancy—just the basics:

• Large skillet with a lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board + knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Cheesy Orzo with Sausage & Broccoli

• Brown the sausage.
  Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage (or chicken sausage/pork sausage) and cook until it starts to caramelize and get those golden bits on the bottom of the pan—that’s where the flavor lives!
• Sauté the onion.
  Toss in your diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

• Toast the orzo.
  Add the orzo pasta and stir it around for a minute or two to toast it lightly. It gives the whole dish a delicious, nutty base.
• Add the broth and broccoli.
  Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the broccoli. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook.
• Simmer until tender.
  Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. The orzo will soak up the broth and become nice and tender.

• Stir in the cheese.
  Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is creamy and melty. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for the Best Sausage Orzo

• Get that golden sausage. Browning the sausage adds a rich, savory flavor—don’t skip it.
• Warm broth works best. It keeps your cooking time accurate and helps the dish come together faster.
• Chop broccoli small. Especially if you’re using fresh, smaller florets cook more evenly and quickly.
• Want it extra creamy? Add a splash of milk or cream at the end with the cheese.
• Check for salt at the end – Smoked sausage and broth can contain different amounts of salt. Since I don’t know what specific brand you’ll be using, it’s best to start with a little salt (about an 1/8 – 1/4 tsp) and add more at the end if needed.

How to Serve

This dish is filling on its own, but also pairs well with another serving of veggies or some crusty bread. You can even serve smaller portions as a side dish alongside baked chicken or grilled veggies.

FAQ’s & Substitutions

Can I use ground sausage instead of sliced sausage?
Yes! Just brown it thoroughly and break it into crumbles. Both ground sausage and chicken sausage work great.

What other veggies can I use?
Spinach, green beans, or even peas work well. Just add tender veggies (like spinach) near the end of the cook time so they don’t overcook.

How do I store leftovers?
Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy.

Can I freeze it?
You sure can! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

This orzo recipe is filling, flexible, and packed with flavor—exactly the kind of meal every busy home cook needs in their back pocket. Minimal dishes, maximum comfort, and plenty of ways to mix it up.

Try it out this week and let me know how your crew likes it!

Other Simple Recipes You May Enjoy

• Bacon Hashbrown Skillet

• Easy From Scratch Buttermilk Biscuits

• One Pot Rice Dressing