Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious & Easy One-Pan Recipe

Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple dish that will become a weeknight staple! Imagine tender orzo pasta, perfectly cooked broccoli florets, and savory chicken sausage all coming together in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

Orzo, often mistaken for rice, is a type of pasta with a rich history, particularly in Italian and Greek cuisine. It’s a versatile ingredient that readily absorbs flavors, making it the perfect base for this vibrant dish. While not steeped in ancient traditions, this particular combination of chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo has quickly gained popularity for its balanced nutritional profile and ease of preparation.

What makes this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo so irresistible? It’s the delightful combination of textures – the slight chewiness of the orzo, the crisp-tender broccoli, and the satisfying bite of the sausage. The savory sausage infuses the entire dish with a rich, meaty flavor, while the broccoli adds a touch of freshness and vital nutrients. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious and wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I know you’ll love how quickly this comes together and how satisfying it is to eat!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced (sweet or hot Italian, your preference!)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, but adds richness!)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. First things first, let’s get our ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother. Start by slicing your chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces. I like to cut them on a slight diagonal for a more appealing look, but that’s totally up to you!
2. Next, chop your onion. Don’t worry about being too precise here; a rough chop is perfectly fine. We’re going to sauté it until it’s softened, so it doesn’t need to be perfectly uniform.
3. Mince your garlic. Fresh garlic is key for that delicious aromatic flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but fresh is always best.
4. Chop your red bell pepper. I love the sweetness that red bell pepper adds to this dish, but you can use any color you like, or even a combination of colors.
5. Now, let’s tackle the broccoli. Cut the head of broccoli into florets. Make sure the florets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. You can also use the broccoli stem! Just peel the tough outer layer and chop it into small pieces. It’s perfectly edible and adds a nice texture.

Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients later on.
2. Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The sausage will release some of its fat, which will add flavor to the dish.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later.
4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
5. Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
6. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp. We don’t want them to be mushy, so don’t overcook them.

Cooking the Orzo:

1. Now it’s time to add the orzo. Pour the orzo pasta into the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Add the chicken broth to the skillet. Make sure the orzo and vegetables are submerged in the broth. If needed, add a little more broth to cover everything.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
4. Check the orzo for doneness. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. If it’s still too firm, add a little more broth and continue to simmer until it’s cooked to your liking.

Bringing it All Together:

1. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken sausage.
2. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and create a creamy sauce.
3. If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in now. The heavy cream will add extra richness and creaminess to the dish. If you’re not using heavy cream, you can skip this step.
4. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the dish before adding salt, as the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese may already be salty.
5. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serving:

1. Serve the Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo hot.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
3. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
4. This dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: For a spicier dish, use hot Italian chicken sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You could also add some white beans or chickpeas for protein.
• Use different pasta: If you don’t have orzo, you can use another small pasta shape, such as ditalini or small shells.
• Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While you *can* freeze this, the texture of the orzo might change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Broccoli Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, try using asparagus, green beans, or even Brussels sprouts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Cheese Options: While Parmesan is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a sprinkle of mozzarella at the end.
• Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest added at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a fresh, zesty note.

Enjoy!

This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo recipe is truly a weeknight winner, and I genuinely believe it deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Why? Because it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that somehow manages to be both comforting and surprisingly healthy. The savory chicken sausage, the slightly bitter broccoli, and the perfectly cooked orzo all come together in a harmonious blend, elevated by the simple yet flavorful sauce. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – what more could you ask for?

But beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly versatile. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the chicken sausage for Italian sausage or even chorizo for a spicier kick. Not a broccoli fan? No problem! Asparagus, bell peppers, or even spinach would work beautifully. And if you’re looking to add a little extra richness, a dollop of ricotta cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top is always a good idea.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a complete meal: Serve it as is! It’s already packed with protein, veggies, and carbs.
* As a side dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a balanced and satisfying meal.
* Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or simply omit it and add more vegetables.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
* Add some crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for added texture.
* Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest brightens the whole dish.

I truly believe that this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is a recipe that everyone can enjoy. It’s adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, and it’s so simple to make that even beginner cooks can master it. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without sacrificing flavor.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And when you do, please, please, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you made it your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Don’t be shy – let me know what you think! I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures with this delicious and easy dish. Happy cooking!