The rain was drumming against the kitchen window, and a serious craving hit. Not for anything fancy, but for something warm. Something easy. Something that would hug me from the inside out. That’s when I realized this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo was exactly what I needed. It’s one of those dishes that feels instantly satisfying – a delightful combination of savory sausage, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight champion. And trust me, after one bite, you’ll be craving it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s a whole vibe. Here’s what makes this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo so special:
- Easy Peasy: Seriously, it’s a dump-and-stir kind of meal. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
- Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in about 25-30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash? Yes, please!
- Protein-Packed: The chicken sausage adds a hearty dose of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Veggie Boost: Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, adding vitamins and fiber.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients (more on that later!).
- Seriously Delicious: The combination of smoky sausage, tender orzo, and slightly crisp broccoli is simply amazing.
What You’ll Need: The Ingredient List
Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo.
- 1 pound Chicken Sausage: I prefer a sweet Italian or apple maple variety, but use your favorite! (Sliced into ½-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For browning the sausage and adding flavor.
- 1 medium Yellow Onion: (Chopped) – Adds a foundational flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic: (Minced) – Because everything is better with garlic!
- 1 ½ cups Orzo Pasta: This pearl-shaped pasta cooks perfectly.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and flavor while cooking the orzo. Using low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness.
- 1 medium head Broccoli: (Cut into bite-sized florets) – About 3-4 cups.
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that salty, cheesy goodness. Plus a little extra for serving!
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that elevates the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish.
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s bring this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo to life! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage.
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Don’t drain the fat – that flavorful sausage drippings will add tons of flavor to the whole dish!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet 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!
Step 3: Toast the Orzo.
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat it in the remaining oil and onion/garlic mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to lightly toast the orzo. This step adds depth of flavor.
Step 4: Simmer the Orzo.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente — slightly firm to the bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli and Sausage.
Add the broccoli florets and the browned chicken sausage back into the skillet. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. The sauce should thicken slightly. If it’s too dry, add a splash more broth.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal!
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is a fantastic base recipe. Here are some ideas to customize it and elevate it even further:
- Swap the Sausage: Experiment with different sausage flavors! Chorizo, andouille, or even turkey sausage would all be delicious.
- Vary the Veggies: Don’t love broccoli? Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or kale. Just adjust cooking times accordingly. Leafy greens like spinach should be added in the last minute of cooking to wilt.
- Add a Lemon Zing: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add some sun-dried tomatoes: They add a chewy texture and a burst of intense flavour!
- Serving Suggestions:
- Simple Side Salad: A basic green salad with a vinaigrette goes perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty bread toasted with garlic butter is always a winner.
- Extra Parmesan: Because you can never have too much cheese!
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
Please note that this is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 25-35g
- Fat: 18-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is a meal that the whole family will love. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to get a healthy dose of protein and vegetables. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! Now go ahead, give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it. Happy cooking!
