Description
Quick Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo ready in 25 minutes. One-pan meal with protein-packed chicken sausage, tender-crisp broccoli, orzo pasta in light garlic lemon sauce. Healthy, family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
12 oz fully-cooked chicken sausage, sliced
3 cups broccoli florets
1½ cups orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Slice pre-cooked chicken sausage into ¼-inch rounds. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Dice onion and mince garlic.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add sliced sausage, cook 3-4 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove to plate.
4. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet. Add diced onion, cook 2-3 minutes until softened.
5. Add minced garlic, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add orzo pasta, stir to coat with oil. Toast 1 minute.
7. Pour in chicken broth, add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to boil.
8. Reduce heat to medium, simmer uncovered 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is almost tender and most liquid absorbed.
9. Add broccoli florets, stir to combine. Cover and cook 5 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green.
10. Return sausage to pan, stir in lemon zest and juice. Cook 1-2 minutes to heat through.
11. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley. Let sit 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pre-cooked chicken sausage saves time – just needs browning and heating.
Don’t overcook broccoli – add only during last 5 minutes for tender-crisp texture.
Stir orzo frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
If orzo looks dry, add chicken broth ¼ cup at a time.
Different orzo brands absorb liquid differently – watch closely.
Store refrigerated up to 4 days. Add splash of broth when reheating.
Substitute any pre-cooked chicken or turkey sausage flavor.
Vegetarian: Use chickpeas instead of sausage, vegetable broth.
Gluten-free: Use GF orzo and check sausage ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken sausage, broccoli orzo, quick dinner, one pan meal, healthy dinner, 25 minute meal