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
Scale
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
