Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely. While orzo gives this dish a nice creamy, risotto-like texture, you can easily substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even couscous. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of broth depending on the pasta you choose.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default— orzo is typically made from wheat . However, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo or a small gluten-free pasta alternative. Be sure to double-check your vegan sausage and broth, too, as some may contain gluten.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it up to 4 days ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers taste even better. Just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep it from drying out.

What vegan sausage do you recommend?

I personally love Beyond Meat’s Hot or Sweet Italian Sausage , but you can use any plant-based sausage you prefer. Field Roast and Tofurky also make flavorful options. You can even use tempeh, lentil patties, or more chickpeas as a protein substitute.

What if my orzo isn’t fully cooked after the 25 minutes?

No worries—just add a splash more broth, stir, cover, and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Orzo can vary slightly depending on the brand and how much liquid it’s absorbed from the veggies and chickpeas.

Vegan Sausage & Broccoli Orzo Skillet Easy Dinner

Name: Vegan Sausage & Broccoli Orzo Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons oil (avocado oil recommended); 1 pound vegan Italian sausage, sliced into rounds; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups vegan broth (such as vegan chicken-style); 1 cup dry orzo; 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 12 ounces broccoli, cut into florets; Optional: fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for serving

Description

This Vegan Sausage & Broccoli Orzo Skillet is a cozy, one-pot weeknight dinner packed with plant-based protein, hearty veggies, and bold flavors—ready in about 40 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons oil (avocado oil recommended)
1 pound vegan Italian sausage, sliced into rounds
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups vegan broth (such as vegan chicken-style)
1 cup dry orzo
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
12 ounces broccoli, cut into florets
Optional: fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for serving

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Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add vegan sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
If needed, add a bit more oil. Add diced onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in vegan broth to combine.
Add dry orzo and chickpeas. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove lid, add browned sausage and broccoli florets. Stir, cover, and cook an additional 10–15 minutes, until broccoli is tender.
Uncover and check texture of orzo and broccoli. Add a splash more broth if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Customize by adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or vegan cheese. Great for leftovers—just reheat with a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 510
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 0mg