Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo: Weeknight Dinner Recipe
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If you are searching for a comforting yet speedy meal that truly satisfies, look no further than this Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo: Weeknight Dinner Recipe. It’s a vibrant medley of tender chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta all brought together with bright lemon and sharp Parmesan. In just over an hour, you can serve up a dish that feels both homey and a little fancy, perfect for busy evenings when you want dinner on the table but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or heartiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo: Weeknight Dinner Recipe is simple yet essential, coming together to deliver a perfect balance of texture, color, and bursts of flavor. From the juicy sausage to fresh broccoli and fragrant lemon zest, every element plays a delicious part.
- Chicken sausage (1 pound, sliced and crumbled): Adds rich, savory depth and protein-packed satisfaction.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): For fresh green crunch and vibrant nutrition.
- Orzo pasta (1 1/2 cups): Small pasta that soaks up flavors beautifully, creating a creamy base.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings an aromatic punch that enhances the entire dish.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds natural sweetness and softness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): A flavorful liquid foundation that cooks the orzo perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated, plus extra): Gives a nutty, savory richness and creamy finish.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2-3 tablespoons): For tender sautéing and a lush, fruity taste.
- Large lemon (zest and juice): Delivers bright, tangy freshness that elevates the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley (1/4 cup chopped): Finishing herb that adds color and a fresh herbal note.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup) or extra chicken broth (1/4 cup): For deglazing and adding complexity to the pan sauce.
- Pine nuts (2 tablespoons, lightly toasted, optional): Adds delightful crunch and a buttery flavor contrast.
How to Make Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo: Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by washing and chopping the broccoli into bite-sized florets so every forkful has that perfect green pop. Remove the casings from the chicken sausage and crumble it for easy cooking. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic to build a fragrant flavor base. Don’t forget to zest and juice the lemon now so it’s ready to brighten the dish later. Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant if you decide to use them—this little step adds a lovely texture contrast.
Step 2: Brown Chicken Sausage
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, breaking it up as it browns, until it’s cooked through and beautifully caramelized—about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate, but keep all those flavorful bits and rendered fat in the pan. That’s where the magic starts.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add a bit more olive oil if your pan looks dry, then reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the diced onions and let them soften until translucent, around 5 to 7 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for just about a minute until you can smell that irresistible garlicky aroma filling your kitchen—be careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Deglaze and Add Broccoli
Now pour in the white wine or a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom to lift those browned bits that hold so much flavor. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it mostly evaporates, leaving behind a deep, savory base. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they just start to soften but still keep their vibrant green snap.
Step 5: Toast Orzo and Simmer
Pour the dry orzo into the pan and stir constantly for a minute or two, lightly toasting it to unlock a nuttier flavor. Then pour in all the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan, lower the heat, and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally, giving orzo time to absorb the broth until it’s perfectly al dente—the texture should be tender but with a little bite.
Step 6: Finish and Season
Remove the pan from heat and return the cooked chicken sausage to the mix. Stir in the lemon zest, juicy lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, folding everything together until creamy and luscious. Taste and season with salt, pepper, or more red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat. If the dish feels too thick, a splash of warm broth or water helps to loosen it up for that ideal consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top your Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo: Weeknight Dinner Recipe with chopped fresh parsley and the toasted pine nuts if you opted for them. Serve immediately alongside extra grated Parmesan, so everyone can add a cheesy touch just how they like it. It’s a plate full of comfort and freshness that’s guaranteed to please.
How to Serve Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo: Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
The simple touch of fresh flat-leaf parsley adds brightness and a pop of green that makes this dish feel freshly vibrant. If you want some texture contrast, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for a subtle crunch. A final grating of Parmesan cheese adds that irresistible savory richness that everyone can’t get enough of.
Side Dishes
This meal is wonderfully complete on its own, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, echoing the lemon notes in the orzo. Roasted tomatoes or a side of crusty bread also makes excellent companions, helping to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant dinner, serve the orzo in shallow bowls and garnish each portion with an extra lemon zest twist and a few whole basil leaves or microgreens. You can also turn it into a vibrant pasta bake by transferring to a baking dish, sprinkling with mozzarella, and broiling until golden and bubbly—a fantastic make-ahead twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo: Weeknight Dinner Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for lunch or a quick dinner the next day. The flavors tend to meld beautifully after resting overnight.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the broccoli might soften slightly after freezing, but the overall dish remains delicious and convenient for those super busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the orzo gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to refresh the texture and prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan for that just-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage keeps the dish light, you can substitute with pork or turkey sausage depending on your preference. Just make sure to crumble and cook it thoroughly before combining with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo: Weeknight Dinner Recipe?
Yes, you can replace the chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms for a similar meaty texture. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth keeps it fully vegetarian and delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap the orzo for a gluten-free small pasta or even cauliflower rice. The cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on texture but you’ll still have a flavorful meal.
Do I have to use wine in the recipe?
Wine adds a lovely depth during the deglazing step, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, simply substitute with extra chicken broth or a squeeze of additional lemon juice to keep the bright notes intact.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild warmth and subtle zing, but they are completely optional. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder dish or adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Final Thoughts
Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo: Weeknight Dinner Recipe is one of those dishes that warms the soul and pleases the palate with every bite. It’s reliable, comforting, and packs layers of flavor with straightforward techniques and everyday ingredients. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner to come back to again and again.
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Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo: Weeknight Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner that combines savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli florets, and creamy Parmesan cheese with tender orzo pasta. Cooked all in one pan, this dish is both flavorful and convenient, featuring a bright finish from fresh lemon zest and juice alongside optional toasted pine nuts for added texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced (casings removed if present)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine OR 1/4 cup chicken broth (for deglazing, optional)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Remove casings from the chicken sausage and crumble or slice as preferred. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Zest and juice the lemon. Measure out the chicken broth, orzo, and Parmesan cheese. If using pine nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then set aside.
- Brown Chicken Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled or sliced chicken sausage and cook, breaking it up occasionally, until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan if necessary. Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook the onion until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for an additional 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze and Add Broccoli: Pour in the dry white wine (or 1/4 cup chicken broth if omitting wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the liquid to simmer for 2-3 minutes until mostly reduced. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly softened but still vibrant.
- Toast Orzo and Simmer: Add the dry orzo pasta directly to the pan. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the broth and is tender but still al dente.
- Finish and Season: Remove the pan from heat. Return the cooked sausage to the pan with the orzo and broccoli. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and additional red pepper flakes if desired. If the mixture is too thick, loosen it with a splash of warm broth or water.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley and toasted pine nuts if using. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling.
Notes
- Removing the sausage casings ensures the meat browns evenly and breaks apart nicely for texture.
- Toasting orzo before simmering enhances its nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional but adds a nice subtle heat; adjust to taste.
- Using low-sodium broth allows better control over the saltiness of the final dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or more Parmesan during the finishing step.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
