I remember rainy Tuesdays as a kid. The kind where the sky was a perpetual gray and you just wanted to curl up with something warm and delicious. My mom, a truly magical cook, always seemed to pull something amazing out of thin air. Often, that something was a one-pan wonder, ful
l of good flavors and minimal fuss. This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo recipe is my grown-up homage to those rainy-day dinners. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with savory goodness. It’s the ultimate weeknight meal when you need something comforting and quick, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest, who has hours to spend in the kitchen after a long day? This recipe is built for busy lives. It’s:
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is a huge win! Everything cooks together in a single skillet.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, from start to finish.
- Flavorful & Filling: The combination of savory sausage, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo is simply delightful.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your preferences (more on that later!).
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love this dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredible Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo. I’ve included ingredient notes at the bottom to help you choose the best options.
- 1 pound Chicken Sausage (sweet Italian, hot Italian, or even apple sage – your choice!)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups Orzo Pasta
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium is best)
- 1 head Broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped Fresh Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red Pepper Flakes (for a little heat)
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
This is where the magic happens! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo in no time.
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Slice the chicken sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through at this stage.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo & Add Broth
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sausage drippings and onion/garlic mixture. Cook the orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted. This toasting step enhances the orzo’s flavor!
Pour in the chicken broth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer and Add the Broccoli
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is almost cooked through. Give it a stir halfway through to prevent sticking.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine. Cover and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Parsley
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Now for the fun part – customizing this recipe to your liking!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Slightly al dente is ideal. It will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
- Broccoli Texture: Adjust the cooking time of the broccoli according to your preference. Some like it crisp-tender, others prefer it softer.
- Liquid Level: If the orzo absorbs all the broth and is still not cooked, add more broth ¼ cup at a time.
Flavor Variations:
- Vegetable Boost: Add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the onion.
- Cheese Please!: Use a blend of cheeses – mozzarella, provolone, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta would be delicious.
- Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a swirl of cream cheese or ricotta at the end for a richer, creamier dish.
- Lemon Zest: Brighten the flavors with a teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a Main Course: This is a complete meal on its own!
- Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- Leftovers: This reheats beautifully! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Ready to Try It?
This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights. Don’t be intimidated – even the most novice cooks can whip up this delicious recipe. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a cozy and comforting meal! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out – share your creations and thoughts in the comments below!
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken Sausage: Look for pre-cooked chicken sausage to save time. The flavor profile you choose makes a big difference! Sweet Italian is classic, but hot Italian adds a nice kick.
- Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta is super versatile and cooks quickly. You can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. Homemade broth is always amazing if you have it!
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best, but frozen broccoli florets can be used in a pinch (add them a few minutes earlier as they will be pre-cooked).
