Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring savory chicken sausage, hearty orzo, and vibrant broccoli, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced Look for high-quality smoked or Italian chicken sausages.
- 1 cup orzo pasta Choose whole grain or traditional.
- 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh broccoli works best, but frozen is acceptable.
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth Homemade or low-sodium store-bought is ideal.
- 1 small onion, chopped Yellow or white onions enhance aroma and flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Essential for flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Use quality extra virgin olive oil.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed for brightness.
- ¼ cup Parmesan Optional, adds creaminess.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for flavor balance.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken sausage slices and brown for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a crust. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Lower heat slightly, add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add orzo into the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking to steam.
- Return the browned sausage, mix in lemon juice and optional Parmesan, stirring until combined. Serve hot.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with chicken broth to maintain moisture. Experiment with flavors by adding different vegetables or spices.