The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
If you’re craving a fast, flavorful, and wholesome dinner, this Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo recipe is exactly what you need. With juicy chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo tossed in a garlicky, lemony sauce, this dish is comforting, filling, and ready in under 30 minutes.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. You only need one pan, minimal prep, and a handful of ingredients to create a meal that feels gourmet but cooks like a weeknight staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Ready in 25–30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- All-in-One Pan: Less cleanup, more flavor as the orzo absorbs the sausage and broccoli juices.
- Customizable: Swap chicken sausage for turkey, smoked sausage, or even plant-based sausage.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild, cheesy, and satisfying flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike.
- Healthy Option: Lean protein, fiber-rich broccoli, and a nutrient-packed base.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken sausage (sliced into ½-inch pieces)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a mild kick)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the orzo: Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer.
- Add broccoli: Stir in broccoli florets and cover. Cook for 5–6 minutes until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
- Combine everything: Return sausage to the skillet, stir to combine, and let it heat through.
- Add finishing touches: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Plate warm, garnished with additional Parmesan or parsley as desired.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo
- Use pre-cooked sausage for an even faster dinner.
- Broccoli timing matters: Don’t overcook; you want it crisp-tender to retain color and nutrients.
- Orzo absorbency: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the pasta to absorb the broth flavor.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the broth for depth.
- Meal prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess.
Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or fontina for a creamy finish.
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for more color and nutrients.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
- Lemon Herb Twist: Add thyme or basil along with parsley for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Swap orzo with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette for a hearty dinner.
- Perfect for packed lunch containers; portion and refrigerate.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for an elevated touch.
Fun Facts & Cultural Context
Orzo, the small rice-shaped pasta, is widely used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. Its tiny shape makes it perfect for absorbing flavors from broths, sauces, and vegetables. Pairing orzo with sausage and vegetables creates a one-pan meal that mirrors Italian comfort dishes but keeps prep simple and modern.
Chicken sausage, increasingly popular in American kitchens, offers lean protein and a flavorful alternative to traditional pork sausage. Combining it with broccoli and pasta ensures you get a meal that’s balanced, quick, and incredibly satisfying.
Nutrition Information (per serving, 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 70%
- Calcium: 20%
- Iron: 15%
Pro Tips
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe to have quick lunches ready for the week.
- Flavor Layering: Brown the sausage well; it adds depth to the overall dish.
- Leftovers: Add a splash of broth or a drizzle of olive oil when reheating to prevent dryness
Quick Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo
A fast, one-pan dinner featuring chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo, tossed in a garlicky lemon sauce.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken sausage and cook until golden brown, 5–6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add orzo and toast 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer.
- Add broccoli, cover, and cook 5–6 minutes until orzo is tender and broccoli is crisp-tender.
- Return sausage to skillet, stir to combine, and heat through.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, and parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Optional add-ins: bell peppers, zucchini, peas, or shredded mozzarella.
