There’s nothing quite like a one-pot meal that brings warmth and comfort, and this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is just that. It’s a hearty dish that combines savory chicken sausage with tender orzo and vibrant broccoli, making it not just delicious but visually appealing too. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe shines with simple ingredients that are often already in your pantry. It’s quick to prepare yet satisfying, making it a go-to for many home cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Why choose this dish over others? It’s quick, comforting, and so full of flavor that you’ll find everyone at the table asking for seconds! It’s budget-friendly and uses minimalist ingredients, making it a win-win for both your wallet and your taste buds. Best of all? It’s kid-approved, so you can serve it up with confidence.
“This dish is my new favorite! Easy to make and so delicious that my kids devoured it!”
How to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Creating this delightful meal is a breeze. You’ll sauté the sausage to create a lovely base, then add the orzo and broccoli for a complete dish that cooks together beautifully. It all comes together in mere minutes, allowing you to enjoy a healthy dinner without the hassle.
Ingredients
Gather these items to make your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo:
- 1 lb chicken sausage
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
For a quick substitution, feel free to use turkey sausage for a lighter option or swap out broccoli for spinach if that’s what you have on hand!
Directions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chicken sausage and cook it until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to heat for another minute, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
- Pour in the orzo and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the broccoli florets.
- Let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the lemon zest, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese if you like.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, pair it with a fresh green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette or some crusty bread for dipping. A zesty side of roasted vegetables would complement the dish beautifully, or serve it alongside a light citrus fruit salad to bring a refreshing contrast to the savory orzo. This dish shines at weekday family dinners or laid-back gatherings with friends.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze this dish, make sure it’s completely cooled, and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back some moisture, as orzo tends to absorb liquid during storage. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Pro Tips
For a quicker meal prep, you can slice the chicken sausage ahead of time or even use pre-cooked chicken sausage. Adding in some crushed red pepper flakes will give your dish a nice kick, while tossing in a handful of fresh herbs such as basil or parsley right before serving can elevate the flavor profile. Lastly, don’t be shy with the lemon zest; it brightens the whole dish!
Variations
There are plenty of ways to switch up this base recipe! Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken sausage with some chickpeas or use plant-based sausage. Spice things up with some Italian seasoning or swap in a different cheese for a unique flavor.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat orzo instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo will add more fiber to the dish, though keep in mind it may require a bit more cooking time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta option. Ensure the chicken broth is also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to reheat the leftovers?
Reheating on the stovetop with a splash of broth is ideal, but you can also use the microwave. Just cover it, and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally.
- Check out our guide on easy one-pot meals
- Discover more delicious pasta recipes
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free orzo)
Description
A hearty one-pot meal combining savory chicken sausage, tender orzo, and vibrant broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the orzo and chicken broth, bringing to a rapid boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the broccoli florets.
- Let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the lemon zest, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg