Description
This Savory Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is a quick and delicious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring browned chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy Parmesan lemon sauce, it delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe balances protein, vegetables, and pasta for an easy, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounce chicken sausage (pre-cooked), sliced into rounds
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cup broccoli florets (small bite-size)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until browned and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Toast the Orzo and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast it for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning and to bring out the nutty flavor.
- Simmer the Dish: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
- Add the Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets, cover again, and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash more chicken broth to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Make it Creamy: Turn off the heat and stir in the butter, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste to enhance the balance of flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo warm, and garnish with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bright finish.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken sausage for a quicker meal, but feel free to use raw sausage if desired; just ensure it is fully cooked before adding the orzo.
- For a vegetarian variation, substitute chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit the sausage and increase broccoli quantity.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream when adding the butter and Parmesan.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your tolerance for spice or omit for a milder dish.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
