Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
A cozy and quick one-pan meal featuring tender orzo, juicy chicken sausage, and bright broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 to 14 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into coins Any fully cooked chicken sausage works.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter Use for browning the sausage.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo Toast for added flavor.
- 2.5 cups low sodium chicken broth Plus extra splash if needed.
- 2 cups small broccoli florets Keep florets small for even cooking.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Plus a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- 1 each lemon, zested and juiced Brightens the dish.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Stir in off heat.
- to taste Salt and black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 2 tablespoons cream or half and half Optional for a silkier finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add oil, then sausage. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Add onion to the skillet with a pinch of salt. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add dry orzo and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast.
- Pour in broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook 7 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli and the browned sausage. Cover and cook another 4 to 6 minutes until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green.
- Turn off heat. Stir in lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, and Parmesan. Add cream if desired. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Let sit for 2 minutes so the sauce thickens. Spoon into bowls and top with extra cheese and a little olive oil if you like.
Notes
This dish is flexible; feel free to swap proteins and veggies. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, adding water or broth when reheating for best texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
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