Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a splash of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add your sliced chicken sausage, allowing it to cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sausage is golden brown and slightly crispy. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, add the uncooked orzo to the remaining oil and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1-2 minutes. This toasting step enhances the orzo's flavor, creating a nutty backdrop. Then, stir in the minced garlic and allow it to sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.

Next, pour in about 4 cups of chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. As the broth heats, carefully scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits, adding flavor to your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. Return the browned sausage to the pan and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

After the initial simmer, sprinkle the chopped broccoli florets on top of the orzo and broth mixture. Allow the steam to cook the broccoli, which should take around 3-4 minutes. You want the broccoli to remain bright green and tender-crisp, adding vibrant color to your dish.

Once the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid—approximately 12-15 minutes—stir in the lemon zest and juice along with grated Parmesan cheese (if using). This will create a beautiful creamy texture in your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you're ready to serve!