Description
A flavorful and wholesome Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo recipe combining tender chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and tender orzo pasta in a savory blend of garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh lemon juice. This one-pan stovetop meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 12 oz chicken sausage, cut into half-inch pieces
Pasta
- 1 cup dried orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Liquids & Oils
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Seasonings & Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the chicken sausage: Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely browned on both sides. Remove the sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), stirring continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast and cook orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let cook for 8 minutes.
- Add broccoli and sausage: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets, then nestle the browned sausage pieces back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine, cover again, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp and the orzo has absorbed most of the broth.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken sausage with turkey or your favorite sausage.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To make it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Fresh lemon juice adds brightness — don’t skip it for best flavor.
Keywords: chicken sausage, broccoli, orzo pasta, one-pan meal, quick dinner, Italian herbs, stovetop recipe