QUICK CHICKEN SAUSAGE ORZO

I can almost smell the herbs wafting from Grandma Rose’s kitchen whenever I think about simple, satisfying meals, and this Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake reminds me so much of her effortlessly delicious creations, especially when I’m whipping up a batch of Chicken Sausage Orzo. It’s the kind of comfort food that nourishes the body and soul, even on the busiest weeknights. Trust me, you’re about to discover a new family favorite that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Chicken Sausage Orzo

Okay, let’s be real. We all crave those meals that are both incredibly delicious and incredibly easy to throw together. This Chicken Sausage Orzo ticks all the boxes, and I’m not just saying that! This isn’t some complicated, all-day affair. This is a weeknight wonder, a symphony of flavors that comes together in a snap.

Here’s what makes it so special:

• Speed and Simplicity: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes? Yes, please!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory chicken sausage, tender orzo, and vibrant vegetables is simply irresistible.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out the veggies or add your own personal touch – this recipe is incredibly versatile.
• Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will gobble this up. It’s a sneaky way to get those veggies in!
• One-Pan Wonder: Less dishes means more time to relax, and who doesn’t love that?

What You’ll Need to Make Chicken Sausage Orzo

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list!

• Chicken Sausage: I prefer Italian-style chicken sausage for that extra kick of flavor, but any variety will work. About 1 pound, removed from casings.
• Orzo Pasta: The star of the show! 1 cup of dry orzo.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch. About 2 cups. Fresh Broccoli really elevates this dish.
• Onion: One medium onion, diced.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. Because everything tastes better with garlic!
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups. Low-sodium is always a good choice.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, for topping.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch, for a little heat (optional).
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, friend, time to transform these simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated – I’ll walk you through every step.

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage (removed from casings) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Next, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – nobody wants bitter garlic!

Step 2: Add the Orzo and Broth

Pour in the orzo pasta and stir to coat it with the sausage and onion mixture. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the liquid level. If it seems like the orzo is drying out too quickly, add a splash more chicken broth.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

Stir in the broccoli florets and Italian seasoning. Cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it to retain a little bit of bite!

Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, you might want to add it a minute or two earlier to ensure it cooks through properly.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Season the Chicken Sausage Orzo with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.

Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fresh parsley never hurts either!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Sausage Orzo

Want to take your Chicken Sausage Orzo to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Overcooked orzo can become mushy. Keep a close eye on it and test for doneness after 10 minutes of simmering. It should be al dente, with a slight bite to it.
• Use High-Quality Broth: The flavor of the broth will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish. Opt for a good-quality chicken broth or even homemade if you have it on hand.
• Brown the Sausage Well: Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor to the dish. Don’t be afraid to let it get a little crispy!
• Add a Touch of Acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar at the end can brighten up the flavors and add a nice zing.
• Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Chicken Sausage Orzo. Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or peas would all be delicious additions.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Chicken Sausage Orzo: Use spicy Italian chicken sausage and add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Sausage Orzo: Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor.
• Chicken Sausage and Spinach Orzo: Substitute spinach for the broccoli, or use a combination of both.
• Mediterranean Chicken Sausage Orzo: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal

This Chicken Sausage Orzo is a complete meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the richness of the orzo.
• Garlic Bread: Because who can resist garlic bread?
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots would all be delicious alongside this dish.
• Crusty Bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce!

Making Ahead and Storing

This Chicken Sausage Orzo is great for meal prepping! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the orzo may change slightly. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw completely before reheating.

Why Orzo is the Perfect Pasta

Let’s talk about orzo! These tiny, rice-shaped pasta pieces are more than just cute; they’re culinary chameleons. Their small size means they cook quickly and evenly, absorbing flavors like a sponge. This makes them fantastic for one-pot meals like our Chicken Sausage Orzo, but also for cold salads and soups. The versatility of orzo dishes is truly unmatched!

More Delicious Orzo Recipes to Explore

If you’re as obsessed with orzo as I am, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake: A comforting classic, perfect for a cozy night in.
• Check out other Orzo Recipes on the site!

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

While we’re at it, let me share some other recipes that are similar in ease and flavor profile to our fantastic Chicken Sausage Orzo!

If you’re looking for another hearty soup option, you might also enjoy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. It’s another flavor-packed, comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. For a complete one-pan meal similar to our orzo, you have to try Honey Garlic Sausage Sweet Potato Bake; the sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory sausage. And if you love quick and easy chicken dishes, be sure to check out Chicken Veggie Skillet or Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne. They’re both incredibly flavorful and ready in minutes!

Chicken Sausage: A Healthier Alternative

One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it uses chicken sausage. Chicken sausage is a fantastic alternative to traditional pork sausage because it’s lower in fat and calories while still packing a ton of flavor. It’s a win-win! You can find a wide variety of chicken sausage flavors at most grocery stores, from sweet Italian to spicy chorizo, allowing you to customize the flavor of your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo exactly to your liking. This recipe truly is the perfect example of Savory Chicken dishes.

The Magic of Fresh Broccoli

Let’s not underestimate the power of Fresh Broccoli! Broccoli not only adds a vibrant green color to the dish, making it visually appealing, but it also provides a wealth of nutrients. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this Chicken Sausage Orzo a healthy and satisfying meal. Feel free to experiment with other green veggies too. Zucchini, spinach, or even green beans can be great additions.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Chicken Sausage Orzo! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I love seeing your variations!

Quick Chicken Sausage Orzo

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Quick Chicken Sausage Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines savory chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh broccoli in a delicious chicken broth base, topped with parmesan cheese for a satisfying and easy-to-make dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Italian-style chicken sausage, removed from casings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
• 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the chicken sausage (removed from casings) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the orzo pasta and stir to coat it with the sausage and onion mixture.
• Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the broccoli florets and Italian seasoning. Cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
• Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Don’t overcook the orzo; it should be al dente. Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Browning the sausage adds depth to the dish. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar at the end for a brighter flavor. Get creative with veggies: bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or peas would all be delicious additions. For a creamy version, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese at the end. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.