Welcome to the ultimate weeknight dinner solution: this incredible Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. If you’re searching for a dish that is packed with flavor, comes together in one pot, and is on the table in under 30 minutes, you’ve officially found it. This recipe combines savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli florets, and delightful pearls of orzo pasta, all swimming in a light, cheesy, and garlicky sauce. It’s a complete meal that will satisfy the whole family and save you from a mountain of dishes. Get ready to put this simple, delicious, and satisfying meal on repeat.
Why This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a Weeknight Winner
There are so many reasons to love this dish, but its sheer simplicity is at the top of the list. It’s a true one-pot wonder, meaning everything from sautéing the sausage to simmering the orzo happens in a single skillet. This not only builds incredible depth of flavor but also makes cleanup an absolute breeze.
Furthermore, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand. It’s a fantastic base recipe that you can customize with different vegetables or cheeses. It’s the kind of comforting, reliable meal that feels special without any of the stress. Looking for another simple weeknight favorite? You might love this Creamy Sausage Tortellini.
The Core Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its short and accessible ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
- Orzo: These tiny, rice-shaped pasta pearls are perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- Chicken Sausage: The star of the show! Use your favorite fully-cooked variety—sweet Italian, spicy, or garlic and herb all work wonderfully.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add vibrant color, essential nutrients, and a pleasant crunch.
- Garlic & Shallot: These aromatics build the foundational layer of flavor. A shallot provides a milder, sweeter taste than an onion.
- Chicken Broth: This is our cooking liquid for the orzo, infusing every bite with savory goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, salty, and nutty finish.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up all the flavors.
- Olive Oil & Seasonings: A little oil for sautéing, plus salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Choosing The Best Chicken Sausage
The type of chicken sausage you choose can really define the final flavor of your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. For a classic taste, go with a sweet or mild Italian chicken sausage. If you prefer a bit of a kick, a hot Italian or andouille-style sausage is fantastic. A garlic and herb or spinach and feta variety can also add a unique and delicious twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Orzo
Making this dish is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result every time.
- Sauté the Sausage: Start by browning the sliced chicken sausage in a large skillet or Dutch oven with a bit of olive oil. This step renders some fat and creates delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pan, which is pure flavor. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the minced shallot and garlic. Sauté for a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the dry orzo directly to the skillet. Toasting it for about a minute in the aromatic oil enhances its nutty flavor.
- Simmer and Cook: Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the orzo cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Broccoli and Sausage: Stir in the broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of the orzo’s cooking time. This steams them perfectly so they’re tender-crisp. Return the cooked sausage to the pan to heat through.
- Finish with Flavor: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a light, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking before serving. For another one-pot wonder, try this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne.
Pro Tips for Elevating Your Dish
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few expert tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Orzo can become mushy if cooked for too long. Keep an eye on it and test it frequently. It should be tender with a slight bite (al dente).
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own from a block makes a huge difference in the sauce’s texture.
- Deglaze the Pan: After sautéing the aromatics, you can add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to scrape up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan before adding the rest of the liquid. This adds a huge flavor boost.
- Save Some Pasta Water: While this is a one-pot dish, if you find your orzo has absorbed all the liquid but isn’t quite done, add a splash more hot broth. If it looks a little dry at the end, a touch of hot water or broth can loosen the sauce perfectly. If you enjoy this flavor profile, you’ll also appreciate this creamy lemon garlic pasta recipe.
Delicious Variations to Try
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms along with the broccoli.
- Make it Creamier: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end with the Parmesan cheese.
- Switch the Protein: This recipe works well with crumbled Italian pork sausage, shrimp, or even leftover shredded chicken.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano at the end for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Add them directly to the skillet during the last 4-5 minutes of cooking. There’s no need to thaw them first, but they may release a little more water than fresh broccoli.
To make this dairy-free, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with your favorite dairy-free Parmesan alternative or 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor.
The best way to prevent mushy orzo is to avoid overcooking it. Start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark. It should be cooked al dente—tender with a slight chew. Stirring occasionally also prevents it from sticking and cooking unevenly.
This is a complete one-pot meal, so it doesn’t need much! However, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or some crusty garlic bread would be excellent accompaniments.
A fully-cooked Italian-style chicken sausage, either sweet or spicy, works wonderfully. A garlic and herb or spinach and feta variety would also be delicious. The key is to use a pre-cooked sausage for speed and convenience.
The Easiest Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a dependable, delicious, and stress-free way to get dinner on the table. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of time or a complicated list of ingredients to create something truly special. Enjoy every bite of this simple yet elegant dish!
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to share your creations with us on Pinterest.
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: Your New Favorite 30-Minute Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced shallot to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir constantly for about 1 minute until it's lightly toasted.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stir everything together, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly al dente.
- Stir the broccoli florets into the orzo. Continue to simmer for another 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the orzo is fully cooked. Return the browned sausage to the pan to warm through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes until the cheese is melted and a light sauce forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
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