Name: Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz chicken sausage, cut into half-inch pieces; 1 cup dried orzo pasta; 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2½ cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 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 fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl. Have you ever craved something incredibly satisfying, bursting with vibrant flavors, and yet deceptively simple to prepare? This dish delivers exactly that. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a weeknight savior, a go-to for busy evenings when you want something delicious without the fuss. People absolutely adore it for its perfect balance of savory chicken sausage, tender-crisp broccoli, and the delightful little orzo pasta that soaks up every drop of the flavorful sauce. What truly sets this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo apart is its incredible versatility and how each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and comforting experience that’s both wholesome and undeniably tasty. Get ready to discover your new favorite pasta dish!

Ingredients:

12 oz chicken sausage, cut into half-inch pieces
1 cup dried orzo pasta
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2½ cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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 fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparing for a Flavorful One-Pan Meal

This dish is designed to be a convenient and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner. The beauty of this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo recipe lies in its simplicity and the way all the flavors meld together beautifully in a single pan. Before we begin cooking, let’s make sure we have everything prepped and ready to go. This not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable cooking experience.

Start by prepping your ingredients. If your chicken sausage isn’t already pre-cooked, ensure it’s cooked through according to package directions before cutting it into half-inch pieces. This will give it a nice sear and release some of its flavorful juices. Chop your medium yellow onion into a fine dice; smaller pieces will soften and integrate more seamlessly into the dish. Finely chop your garlic cloves. The smaller you chop the garlic, the more its flavor will distribute throughout the orzo. For the broccoli, wash it thoroughly and then chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces. This is important for even cooking; larger florets might not soften as much as the orzo. Measure out your dried orzo pasta, chicken broth, and extra virgin olive oil. Have your Italian herb blend, optional crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper within easy reach. Finally, grate your Parmesan cheese and chop your fresh parsley. Having all these components ready means you can move swiftly from one step to the next, keeping the cooking process flowing smoothly.

Building the Flavor Base

The first step in creating this vibrant Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is to build a solid foundation of flavor. We’ll be using a large skillet or a Dutch oven for this, something that has a good amount of surface area and a lid. Heat your two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add your prepared chicken sausage pieces to the skillet. Allow the sausage to brown on all sides, developing a beautiful golden-brown crust. This browning process is crucial for developing deep flavor, so be patient and let it achieve that desirable color. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t wipe out the skillet; those browned bits are pure flavor gold.

Now, in the same skillet with the remaining sausage drippings and olive oil, add your diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and begins to soften. This gentle cooking of the onion will sweeten it and create a delightful aromatic base for the entire dish. Next, add your finely chopped garlic to the skillet. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant. Be very careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter flavor. Immediately after the garlic is fragrant, add your one teaspoon of Italian herb blend and the optional half teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, if you desire a touch of heat. Stir these spices into the onion and garlic mixture for about 30 seconds to further release their aromas.

Cooking the Orzo and Broccoli

With our flavor base established, it’s time to introduce the star ingredients that will form the creamy, delicious heart of our Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo. Add the one cup of dried orzo pasta directly into the skillet with the sautéed onions, garlic, and spices. Stir the orzo around for about 1-2 minutes, toasting it lightly in the flavorful oil and aromatics. This toasting step adds a subtle nutty flavor to the orzo and helps prevent it from becoming mushy later.

Now, carefully pour in the two and a half cups of chicken broth. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet as you pour, as these bits hold immense flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, add your four cups of small, chopped fresh broccoli florets directly into the liquid and orzo mixture. Stir everything together so the broccoli is submerged as much as possible. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Remember that the chicken broth and sausage will contribute some saltiness, so it’s wise to season in stages.

Simmering to Perfection

This is where the magic truly happens, transforming simple ingredients into a cohesive and comforting meal. Once the broth is simmering and the orzo and broccoli are introduced, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let the dish simmer for about 10-12 minutes. The key here is to allow the orzo to absorb the liquid and cook through, while the broccoli softens to a tender-crisp texture. Resist the urge to stir too frequently during this simmering period; allowing the orzo to sit undisturbed for short intervals helps it absorb the liquid more effectively.

After about 10-12 minutes, carefully remove the lid. You should see that most of the liquid has been absorbed by the orzo, and the orzo itself should be al dente – cooked through but still with a slight bite. The broccoli should be bright green and tender. If, by chance, your orzo seems a little too firm and there’s still a significant amount of liquid left, you can continue to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring more frequently. Conversely, if the liquid has evaporated too quickly and the orzo is still too firm, you can add a splash more chicken broth or water, cover, and continue cooking. The goal is a creamy, integrated dish where the orzo has released some of its starch, creating a delightful sauce.

Finishing Touches for Maximum Flavor

The final steps are all about elevating the flavors and bringing this delightful Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo together. Once the orzo is cooked to your liking and the broccoli is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in your cooked chicken sausage pieces that you set aside earlier. The residual heat will warm them through perfectly. Now, add the half cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Stir vigorously until the Parmesan cheese is melted and creates a wonderfully creamy texture throughout the orzo. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and sausage, cutting through the savory notes and adding a refreshing lift.

Finally, stir in the two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. The fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant green color to the dish but also introduces a fresh, herbaceous aroma and flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Taste the Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo one last time and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. This one-pan meal is ready to be enjoyed!

Conclusion:

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this delicious and satisfying Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo! This recipe is a fantastic weeknight meal, offering a perfect balance of savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and hearty orzo pasta, all brought together in a flavorful sauce. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it a go-to option when you’re short on time but craving something comforting and nutritious. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover just how easy and rewarding it can be to create such a wonderful dish in your own kitchen. Experiment with different types of chicken sausage or even add other vegetables you have on hand – the possibilities are endless!

For serving, this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is wonderful on its own, but a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of fresh lemon juice can elevate it even further. A simple side salad or some crusty bread would also complement it beautifully. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your variations! You could add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy sweetness, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or even swap the orzo for quinoa or couscous for a different texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo ahead of time?

Yes, you can! This dish reheats well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the pasta if it has thickened.

What kind of chicken sausage works best?

Most pre-cooked chicken sausages will work well. Mild or Italian-style chicken sausages are excellent choices for this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo. For a bit more flavor, consider a smoked chicken sausage or one with herbs.

Is there a vegetarian alternative?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based Italian-style sausage crumbles. Ensure the broccoli is cooked to your desired tenderness, and you might want to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the lack of meat flavor.