Quick Chicken Sausage Orzo
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.
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.