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My One-Pot Orzo with Kielbasa & Veggies is a filling dinner that cooks up super fast on the stovetop. Everything cooks together in one pot, and the orzo absorbs the delicious flavor as it simmers. I usually reach for this recipe on busy nights when I want dinner finished quickly and to stay balanced. It is a reliable one-pot meal that comes together without extra cleanup.
👉 If you like sausage-based meals, you need to try my Italian Sausage and Potato Skillet!
This one-pot orzo with kielbasa and vegetables is a quick stovetop dinner made with smoked sausage, broccoli, and tender pasta. The orzo cooks directly in the broth, soaking up seasoning as it simmers. Everything finishes in one pot, which keeps prep and cleanup simple. This recipe works well for weeknights when time is limited.
Why you’ll love this recipe…
I like this recipe because it only uses one pot the whole time! The kielbasa adds flavor without needing extra seasoning, and the orzo cooks evenly as it absorbs the broth. It is an easy meal to portion and reheats well for leftovers.
⏰ Total Time: 15 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Busy weeknights
🛒 Key Ingredients: Kielbasa, orzo, broccoli
🍽️ Servings: 4
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Refrigerates well
👉 Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta fits well into my normal dinner rotation as well.
Made With Love,
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Need for One-Pot Orzo with Kielbasa & Veggies
- Full Ingredients List
- Swaps & Substitutions
- How to Make One-Pot Orzo with Kielbasa & Veggies
- One-Pot Orzo with Kielbasa & Veggies Variations
- Tips and Tricks
- Recipe FAQs – One Pot Orzo with Kielbasa & Veggies
- Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- More Great One-Pot Meals
- One-Pot Orzo with Kielbasa & Veggies Recipe
What You’ll Need for One-Pot Orzo with Kielbasa & Veggies
- Smoked Sausage: Adds flavor and cooks quickly
- Red Bell Pepper: Softens and balances the sausage
- Frozen Broccoli: Keeps prep minimal
- Orzo Pasta: Cooks fast and absorbs seasoning
👉 My Honey Garlic Chicken is another dinner must-have.
Full Ingredients List
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 13 oz smoked sausage (kielbasa), sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 12 oz frozen broccoli
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.
Swaps & Substitutions
- Swap broccoli for frozen peas or green beans
- Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth
How to Make One-Pot Orzo with Kielbasa & Veggies
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add the sliced smoked sausage and diced red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sausage is lightly browned.
Step 3: Stir in the frozen broccoli, uncooked orzo, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!
One-Pot Orzo with Kielbasa & Veggies Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms
- Stir in spinach at the end
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon
👉 My Rotisserie Chicken Orzo Skillet is another quick orzo-based dinner.
My Pro TipS
Tips and Tricks
- Stir occasionally so the orzo does not stick
- Orzo cooks evenly when stirred
- Parmesan thickens the sauce naturally
Recipe FAQs – One Pot Orzo with Kielbasa & Veggies
Yes, add a splash of broth when reheating.
Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Yes, use a larger pot and stir often.
👉 Creamy Chicken and Egg Noodles is another comforting dinner option.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad
- Add garlic bread
- Top with extra Parmesan
- Easy One Hour Dinner Rolls
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze portions without cheese
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with extra broth
👉 Million Dollar Spaghetti is another freezer-friendly dinner.
More Great One-Pot Meals
Leave a rating if this helped your week. It means a lot.
One-Pot Orzo with Kielbasa & Veggies
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 13 oz smoked sausage, kielbasa, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 12 oz frozen broccoli
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat.
- Cook sausage and bell pepper until lightly browned.
- Add remaining ingredients except cheese.
- Simmer covered until orzo is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan and remove from heat.
Notes
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add extra broth if needed.
- Parmesan thickens the dish naturally.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
