Description
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a quick and comforting one-pot meal packed with savory sausage, tender broccoli, and flavorful orzo.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups (300g) dried orzo pasta
- 12 oz (340g) chicken sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 4 cups (280g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1½ tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 3 cups (710ml) chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Remove the sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the dry orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat with the garlic oil. Toast the orzo for about 1 minute—this simple step enhances the pasta’s nutty flavor and helps it maintain better texture when cooked.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and add ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Add the broccoli florets on top of the orzo, then return the browned sausage to the pan, placing it on top of the broccoli. Cover again and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender and the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and gently fold everything together. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed—the flavors should be vibrant and well-balanced.
- Step 7: Let the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo stand uncovered for 2 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese just before bringing to the table.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: Americaine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 370 calories per serving
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo