Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Cook the sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté aromatics
- In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Toast the orzo
- Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.
Step 4: Build the base
- Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add broccoli and sausage
- Stir in broccoli florets and browned chicken sausage.
- Cover again and cook for another 5–6 minutes, until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green.
Step 6: Make it creamy
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice.
- If desired, add heavy cream for extra richness.
Step 7: Serve
- Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.
- Serve hot straight from the pan.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.
**Freeze
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Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo – Easy, Wholesome & One-Pan Delicious! 🍗🥦🍋
🎉 Introduction If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is going to be a weeknight lifesaver. It’s a one-pan recipe that balances lean protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy orzo pasta for a dish that feels both hearty and healthy. The chicken sausage brings savory flavor, the broccoli adds freshness and crunch, and the orzo ties it all together in a silky, cheesy sauce. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal dishes and maximum flavor. This recipe is kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches for the week, or just want something cozy and filling without fuss, this dish checks all the boxes. 🧰 Equipment Needed Large skillet or sauté pan with lid Cutting board & sharp knife Wooden spoon or spatula Measuring cups & spoons Cheese grater 🛒 Ingredients
Protein 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds Vegetables 2 cups broccoli florets 1 small onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced Zest and juice of 1 lemon Pantry 1 cup orzo pasta 2 ½ cups chicken broth 1 tsp Italian seasoning Salt and black pepper, to taste Dairy ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess) Oils 1 tbsp olive oil 👩🍳 Directions Step 1: Cook the sausage Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Step 2: Sauté aromatics In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Step 3: Toast the orzo Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast. Step 4: Build the base Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Step 5: Add broccoli and sausage Stir in broccoli florets and browned chicken sausage. Cover again and cook for another 5–6 minutes, until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green. Step 6: Make it creamy Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice. If desired, add heavy cream for extra richness. Step 7: Serve Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper. Serve hot straight from the pan. 🍽️ Servings & Timing Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes 🧊 Storage & Reheating Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days. Freeze: Not recommended (orzo may become mushy). Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen sauce. 🥄 Variations Protein Swap: Use shrimp, turkey sausage, or diced chicken breast. Veggie Boost: Add peas, zucchini, or spinach along with the broccoli. Extra Creamy: Stir in cream cheese or ricotta for richness. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy chicken sausage. Lemon Herb Twist: Stir in fresh basil or parsley for brightness. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous work well. Do I need to cook orzo separately?
No, it cooks right in the skillet with broth for flavor. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add lemon juice and cheese just before serving for freshness. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely—add in the last 5 minutes of cooking. What cheese works best?
Parmesan is classic, but pecorino or asiago are also great. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s mild, cheesy, and balanced. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and skip Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or another GF pasta. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a wider skillet or Dutch oven. What sides pair best?
Garlic bread, simple green salad, or roasted veggies. 🏁 Conclusion This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is proof that one-pan meals can be fast, flavorful, and nourishing. With just 30 minutes and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that balances protein, veggies, and pasta beautifully. It’s versatile enough to customize with different veggies or proteins, making it a weeknight staple you’ll come back to again and again.
🎉 Introduction If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is going to be a weeknight lifesaver. It’s a one-pan recipe that balances lean protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy orzo pasta for a dish that feels both hearty and healthy. The chicken sausage brings savory flavor, the broccoli adds freshness and crunch, and the orzo ties it all together in a silky, cheesy sauce. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal dishes and maximum flavor. This recipe is kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches for the week, or just want something cozy and filling without fuss, this dish checks all the boxes. 🧰 Equipment Needed Large skillet or sauté pan with lid Cutting board & sharp knife Wooden spoon or spatula Measuring cups & spoons Cheese grater 🛒 Ingredients
Protein 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds Vegetables 2 cups broccoli florets 1 small onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced Zest and juice of 1 lemon Pantry 1 cup orzo pasta 2 ½ cups chicken broth 1 tsp Italian seasoning Salt and black pepper, to taste Dairy ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess) Oils 1 tbsp olive oil 👩🍳 Directions Step 1: Cook the sausage Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Step 2: Sauté aromatics In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Step 3: Toast the orzo Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast. Step 4: Build the base Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Step 5: Add broccoli and sausage Stir in broccoli florets and browned chicken sausage. Cover again and cook for another 5–6 minutes, until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green. Step 6: Make it creamy Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice. If desired, add heavy cream for extra richness. Step 7: Serve Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper. Serve hot straight from the pan. 🍽️ Servings & Timing Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes 🧊 Storage & Reheating Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days. Freeze: Not recommended (orzo may become mushy). Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen sauce. 🥄 Variations Protein Swap: Use shrimp, turkey sausage, or diced chicken breast. Veggie Boost: Add peas, zucchini, or spinach along with the broccoli. Extra Creamy: Stir in cream cheese or ricotta for richness. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy chicken sausage. Lemon Herb Twist: Stir in fresh basil or parsley for brightness. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous work well. Do I need to cook orzo separately?
No, it cooks right in the skillet with broth for flavor. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add lemon juice and cheese just before serving for freshness. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely—add in the last 5 minutes of cooking. What cheese works best?
Parmesan is classic, but pecorino or asiago are also great. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s mild, cheesy, and balanced. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and skip Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or another GF pasta. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a wider skillet or Dutch oven. What sides pair best?
Garlic bread, simple green salad, or roasted veggies. 🏁 Conclusion This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is proof that one-pan meals can be fast, flavorful, and nourishing. With just 30 minutes and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that balances protein, veggies, and pasta beautifully. It’s versatile enough to customize with different veggies or proteins, making it a weeknight staple you’ll come back to again and again.