If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal, One Pan Italian Sausage & Broccoli Orzo – Easy Comfort Food is the perfect solution.
This dish combines tender Italian sausage, nutty orzo pasta, and crisp broccoli in a creamy, savory sauce, all cooked in a single pan. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you crave a comforting, home-cooked meal without the hassle.
To start, sauté Italian sausage with diced onions and minced garlic until the sausage is browned and the aromatics are fragrant.
Then, add orzo pasta and pour in chicken or vegetable broth, allowing the pasta to simmer and absorb all the delicious flavors. Next, add fresh broccoli florets and cook until tender but still crisp, creating a beautiful texture contrast with the creamy pasta.
Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
This one-pan meal is versatile—you can swap sausage types, use different vegetables, or even make it gluten-free or dairy-free to suit your needs. Minimal cleanup, balanced nutrition, and incredible flavor make this a family favorite every time.
Enjoy this creamy, savory, and satisfying dinner tonight, perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep. For a complete guide, including step-by-step instructions, ingredient details, and tips, check the complete recipe in the given below.
Why You’ll Love One Pan Italian Sausage & Broccoli Orzo
1. Quick & Effortless One-Pan Meal
One of the biggest challenges of home cooking is the cleanup. This recipe is specifically designed to be made entirely in one pan. You sauté the sausage, cook the pasta, and steam the broccoli all in the same skillet. This not only makes the cooking process faster but also saves you precious time washing dishes afterward. You get maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight meals or busy schedules.
2. Creamy & Flavorful Comfort Food
From the first bite, you’ll notice how creamy and rich this dish is. The combination of Italian sausage, onions, garlic, Parmesan, and a splash of heavy cream creates a depth of flavor that hits all the right comfort-food notes.
The pasta absorbs the savory broth, ensuring every forkful is bursting with taste. If you’ve been craving comfort food that is both easy and indulgent, this recipe delivers.
3. Balanced & Nutritious
Unlike many indulgent comfort foods, this dish has a great balance of nutrients. The sausage provides protein to keep you full, the broccoli adds fiber and vitamins, and the orzo provides complex carbohydrates for energy. With thoughtful ingredient choices, you can even lighten this dish using low-fat cream or gluten-free pasta, making it both delicious and wholesome.
4. Versatile & Customizable
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Whether you prefer chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage, it still works beautifully. You can swap broccoli for other vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. For a creamier texture, add a bit more cream or Parmesan. For a lighter meal, reduce the cream and add extra broth. The versatility makes it suitable for any dietary preference.
5. Perfect for Weeknight Dinners & Meal Prep
This recipe comes together in 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. This means you can prepare it ahead of time and have a nutritious, flavorful meal ready to go anytime.
6. Family-Friendly
Even picky eaters often enjoy this dish because the creamy orzo and mild sausage are universally appealing. Broccoli can be lightly steamed or chopped finely to make it more approachable for children. The balance of flavors makes it a hit for kids and adults alike.
7. Minimal Cleanup
With only one skillet to wash, this recipe eliminates the stress of post-cooking cleanup. That’s one less chore at the end of a long day, allowing you to enjoy your meal and the cozy comfort it provides.
Ingredients for One Pan Italian Sausage & Broccoli Orzo
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Substitutions |
| Italian sausage (mild or spicy) | 1 lb | Chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage works |
| Orzo pasta | 1 cup | Gluten-free orzo can be used |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups | Swap with zucchini or spinach |
| Onion | 1 small, diced | Red or white onion |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Fresh for best flavor |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 2 ½ cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | Can use half-and-half or coconut cream |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup, grated | Optional for dairy-free versions |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp, chopped | Garnish |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Adjust per preference |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ tsp | Optional for extra kick |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions (Detailed Paragraphs)
Step 1: Sauté Sausage, Onion, and Garlic
Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Allow the sausage to brown evenly, stirring occasionally.
The browning process develops rich, savory flavors that will infuse the entire dish. Once the sausage is almost cooked through, add the diced onion. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn translucent, softening and blending their sweetness with the sausage’s savory richness. Finally, add the minced garlic, stirring for about one minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. This aromatic base is essential for a deeply flavorful one-pan meal.
Step 2: Add Orzo and Broth
Once the sausage and aromatics are ready, add the orzo pasta directly into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta with the savory oils and sausage drippings. Toasting the orzo for one to two minutes at this stage enhances its nutty flavor. Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid gradually. This process ensures that each grain of orzo becomes perfectly tender and infused with flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
While the orzo simmers, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover with a lid to create a steaming effect, cooking the broccoli until it reaches a bright green, crisp-tender state, which usually takes about 8–10 minutes.
Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan. The broccoli provides a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy orzo and rich sausage, adding texture, color, and essential nutrients to the dish.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream and Parmesan
Once the pasta is tender and the broccoli is cooked to perfection, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to meld with the broth and form a luscious, creamy sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese slowly, stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and visual appeal. This final step transforms the skillet into a decadent, restaurant-quality comfort meal.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
Serve the One Pan Italian Sausage & Broccoli Orzo immediately, while hot and creamy. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
You can sprinkle extra Parmesan or chili flakes on top for added flavor. This dish also works beautifully for meal prep; simply store in airtight containers for up to four days in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein: Chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage
- Vegetables: Zucchini, spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers
- Dairy-free: Coconut cream instead of heavy cream; nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo or rice pasta
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Values may vary depending on ingredient substitutions.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Orzo Every Time
- Toast the Orzo: Lightly toast the orzo before adding broth to enhance flavor.
- Broccoli Timing: Add broccoli later if you prefer it very crisp.
- Adjust Creaminess: Add extra milk or broth during reheating if needed.
- Spice It Up: Use red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for an extra punch.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if using a smaller skillet for even cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is One Pan Italian Sausage & Broccoli Orzo?
A1: This is a simple, flavorful one-pan dish that combines Italian sausage, orzo pasta, and fresh broccoli in a creamy sauce. It’s considered comfort food because it’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Q2: How long does it take to cook One Pan Italian Sausage & Broccoli Orzo?
A2: From start to finish, this recipe usually takes around 30–35 minutes. Sautéing the sausage and aromatics takes 8–10 minutes, simmering the orzo and broth about 10–12 minutes, and finishing with cream and cheese adds another 3–5 minutes.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A3: Yes! Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or use sautéed mushrooms and chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.
Q4: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A4: Absolutely. Frozen broccoli works well; just add it a few minutes earlier while simmering the orzo to ensure it cooks evenly.
Q5: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A5: Use gluten-free orzo pasta or rice pasta as a substitute. Make sure your broth and any additional seasonings are also gluten-free.
Q6: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A6: Yes! The creamy orzo and mild Italian sausage make it appealing to children. You can chop broccoli into smaller pieces to make it more palatable for picky eaters.
Q7: Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?
A7: Definitely. Store the cooked dish in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Q8: Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
A8: Yes! Zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus work well. Add vegetables based on their cooking times—firmer vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers should go in earlier, while leafy greens can be added toward the end.
Q9: Can I make this dish spicier?
A9: For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes when finishing the dish. You can also add a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Q10: How creamy is this recipe? Can I adjust the creaminess?
A10: The dish is moderately creamy thanks to the addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. To make it creamier, add more cream or milk. For a lighter version, reduce the cream and add extra broth to maintain flavor without heaviness.
Q11: Can I cook this recipe in advance and reheat for dinner?
A11: Yes! Cook the dish fully, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
Q12: What are some tips for preventing orzo from sticking?
A12: Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks. Ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan, and simmer at a gentle heat rather than a rapid boil. Toasting the orzo before adding the broth also helps prevent sticking.
Q13: Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
A13: Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausage works perfectly. For more flavor, choose seasoned varieties like garlic or fennel-flavored sausages.
Q14: Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
A14: Traditional orzo is high in carbs, but you can make a lower-carb version using cauliflower rice instead of orzo. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still have a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal.
Q15: Can this dish be made dairy-free?
A15: Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The result is still creamy and satisfying.