Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Sausage Orzo with Roasted Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines zesty lemon and aromatic garlic with savory chicken sausage and tender orzo pasta. It’s a complete meal that’s deceptively simple to make, perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Sausage
- Orzo Pasta
- Broccoli Florets
- Fresh Lemons
- Fresh Garlic
- Chicken Broth
- Parmesan Cheese
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, toss your broccoli florets with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly charred at the edges.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your sliced lemon garlic chicken sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until it's nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any drippings in the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet with the garlic. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, toasting the orzo until some of the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
- Carefully pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or according to package directions, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken sausage, the roasted broccoli, the zest of one lemon, and the juice of half a lemon. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese. If the dish seems too thick, you can add a splash more broth or hot water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you have some.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Don't skip the fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. For added nutrition, consider stirring in fresh spinach or baby kale during the last minute of cooking.