Creamy Orzo Recipe – Easy Sausage & Broccoli Dinner

Name: Creamy Orzo Recipe – Easy Sausage & Broccoli Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta; 8 oz (225g) Italian sausage; 2 cups (150g) broccoli florets; 2 ½ cups (600ml) chicken broth; ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream; ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt & pepper to taste

Posted on November 8, 2025

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Last week, I found myself staring at a half-empty fridge with a craving for something creamy, comforting, and filling. You know those nights where you’re too tired to make a big production but still want dinner to feel a little special? That’s how this Creamy Orzo with Sausage & Broccoli came to life. It’s the kind of recipe you whip up in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Spoiler alert: you didn’t.

Here’s the thing—I love recipes that use simple ingredients in creative ways. Orzo has always been one of my pantry MVPs. It cooks quickly, has that dreamy pasta texture, and soaks up flavors like a champ. Pair it with savory sausage, tender broccoli, and a creamy sauce? Pure dinner magic. This dish is now a staple in my house, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, let me just say this: once you try this Creamy Orzo with Sausage & Broccoli, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat. It’s that good. Here’s why:

Ready in 30 minutes flat: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
One pan wonder: Everything cooks in the same skillet—less cleanup, more time to binge-watch your favorite show.
Comfort food meets healthy: Creamy, cheesy goodness paired with nutrient-packed broccoli. It’s indulgent but you’re still getting your greens.
Kid-approved: I’ve tested this on my picky eaters, and let me tell you, they practically lick their plates clean.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add more veggies, swap the sausage, or spice it up. The possibilities are endless!

What Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is the ingredient list. It’s simple, straightforward, and most of it is probably already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Orzo pasta (1 cup / 200g): This little pasta cooks quickly and has a risotto-like texture. Don’t have orzo? You can swap in small pasta like ditalini or even rice.
Italian sausage (8 oz / 225g): I love using sweet Italian sausage, but spicy works too if you want a kick. You can also use chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Broccoli florets (2 cups / 150g): Fresh or frozen both work, but I prefer fresh for the texture. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Chicken broth (2 ½ cups / 600ml): Adds depth to the sauce and helps cook the orzo right in the skillet. You can sub vegetable broth if you prefer.
Heavy cream (½ cup / 120ml): This is what makes the dish decadently creamy. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup / 50g, grated): Adds nutty, cheesy flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Go for freshly grated if you can—it melts better.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Because every good dinner starts with garlic, right?
Olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the sausage and garlic.
Salt & pepper: To season and bring everything together.

That’s it! Simple, delicious, and no need for a complicated spice rack.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy setup to make this creamy orzo dinner. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large skillet or sauté pan: Big enough to hold everything—this is a one-pan meal, after all.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and breaking up the sausage.
Measuring cups and spoons: I know some people eyeball measurements, but I swear by precision for recipes like this.
Colander: For quickly steaming or blanching the broccoli.

That’s it. No fancy gadgets, no extra pots—you can make this with the basics.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! Here’s exactly how I make this Creamy Orzo with Sausage & Broccoli, complete with all my tips and tricks.

Cook the sausage (5 minutes): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want it nice and golden brown. Once cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté the garlic (1 minute): In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook it in the sausage drippings for about a minute, just until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
Add the orzo and broth (10 minutes): Pour the orzo into the skillet and stir it around to coat it in the garlic and oil. Then add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and let it cook for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Steam the broccoli (5 minutes): While the orzo cooks, steam or blanch your broccoli florets. I just toss them in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, cover it, and microwave for 4-5 minutes until tender but still bright green.
Make it creamy (3 minutes): Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it all meld together for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the orzo.
Combine and season (2 minutes): Add the cooked sausage and steamed broccoli back into the skillet. Stir everything well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat.

And that’s it! Dinner is officially ready.

My Best Tips & Techniques

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it foolproof:

Don’t skip the steaming: Steaming the broccoli separately keeps it tender-crisp and bright green. If you cook it directly in the skillet, it can get mushy.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and can make the sauce grainy.
Stir the orzo often: Orzo loves to stick to the pan, so give it a good stir every couple of minutes while it’s cooking.
Customize the creaminess: If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For extra richness, add a splash of milk and a little more cheese.

Trust me, these small tweaks make a big difference!

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you master the base recipe, you can have fun experimenting with different variations. Here are some ideas:

Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.
Veggie-Packed Version: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition. I’ve tried all three, and they’re fantastic!
Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone at the end for a gooey, melty finish.
Low-Carb Swap: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version. The sauce will coat it beautifully!

Have fun with it—this recipe is super versatile!

Serving Ideas & Storage

How to Serve: This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some pairing ideas:

Serve with garlic bread for a complete comfort meal.
Pair with a simple green salad to add freshness.
For a crowd, double the recipe and serve family-style for easy entertaining.

Storage Instructions:

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce.
Freezer: You can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Pro tip: Leftovers make an amazing lunch the next day!

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

I love this dish because it’s indulgent without being over-the-top. Here’s the breakdown (approximate values per serving):

Calories	400
Protein	18g
Carbs	42g
Fat	15g
Fiber	3g

Health Highlights:

Broccoli: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Sausage: A great source of protein—opt for leaner varieties for a healthier dish.
Orzo: Provides energy-boosting carbs, and you can swap for whole wheat if you prefer.

It’s not diet food, but it’s a way to enjoy a balanced meal without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my favorite weeknight dinner recipe, Creamy Orzo with Sausage & Broccoli! It’s quick, cozy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a dinner party, this dish will deliver every single time.

I hope you love it as much as we do. Make it your own, share it with friends, and feel free to tweak it to match your cravings. Cooking is all about experimenting, after all!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Pinterest or Instagram—I’d love to see your version. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

A: Absolutely! Try ditalini, small shells, or even Arborio rice for a risotto-like texture. Cooking times may vary slightly.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Q: What kind of sausage works best?

A: I love sweet Italian sausage for this recipe, but spicy sausage adds a nice kick if you’re into heat. Chicken or turkey sausage are also great options.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?

A: For sure! Just toss it into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking the orzo so it warms through. No need to steam separately.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yep! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

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