Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Looking for a quick, balanced, and family-friendly meal? This One-Pot Chicken Sausage Orzo with Broccoli is the weeknight hero you’ve been waiting for! It’s made with flavorful Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and crisp-tender broccoli all simmered together in savory chicken broth. The best part? It comes together in one pan with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or meal prepping for the week, this easy pasta dinner checks all the boxes protein-packed, full of veggies, and ready in just 20 minutes!
Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 | Course: Dinner or Lunch
Ingredients
- 4–5 cooked chicken sausage links, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 heads of broccoli (stems and florets separated, chopped into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dried orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced (optional)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan (optional)
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start with flavor: Heat a large nonstick skillet with a lid over medium-high heat and drizzle in olive oil.
- Brown the sausage: Add sliced chicken sausage and chopped broccoli stems to the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage is browned.
- Add garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Toast the orzo: Add orzo pasta to the skillet and stir for about a minute to lightly toast it, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Simmer everything: Pour in chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and stir.
- Cook until tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid absorbs too quickly, add a splash more broth or water as needed.
- Finish and serve: Once the orzo is creamy and the broth mostly absorbed, remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, then top with Parmesan and red pepper flakes for a finishing touch.
Pro Tips
- Use frozen broccoli: No need to thaw! Add it straight to the pan once the broth is boiling.
- Add greens: Spinach, kale, or broccolini make great add-ins for extra nutrients.
- Cheesy twist: Stir in extra Parmesan cheese before serving for a richer, creamier flavor.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bowl | 409 | 24g | 39g | 19g | 4g | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on brands and portion sizes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Try turkey sausage, spicy andouille, or even Italian chicken sausage for a different flavor twist.
2. Can I substitute the orzo?
Yes! You can use small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even rice. Adjust cooking times as needed.
3. How can I make this dish creamier?
Stir in a splash of cream or a handful of shredded Parmesan cheese right before serving for extra richness.
Conclusion
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal easy, nutritious, and loaded with flavor. With chicken broth, Italian chicken sausage, and tender orzo, it’s the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and comfort. Ready in 20 minutes and made with pantry staples, it’s a go-to dinner you’ll keep on repeat!