Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender orzo pasta combines with savory chicken sausage and fresh broccoli, all brightened with lemon and Parmesan. It’s a comforting dish that comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.

Ingredients

• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken sausage, sliced into rounds (precooked or raw)
• 1 ½ cups (285 g) orzo pasta
• 3 cups (275 g) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or reserved pasta cooking water
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. In the last 2 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water (or substitute chicken broth), then drain the orzo and broccoli and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage slices and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate and keep warm.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth or reserved pasta water and stir well to deglaze the pan.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked orzo and broccoli back into the skillet. Stir in the butter, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Return the sausage to the pan and toss everything together until well combined.
5. Step 5: Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone cheese before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Swap broccoli for other vegetables like asparagus or spinach depending on what you have on hand.
• Using precooked chicken sausage speeds up the recipe; just brown it for flavor instead of fully cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, mild or spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage can be substituted according to your preference.

Is it necessary to add lemon juice and zest?

The lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese, but it can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste.

Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 149 reviews

A flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken sausage, nutritious broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta, all brightened with fresh lemon and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner packed with comfort and zest.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken sausage, sliced into rounds (precooked or raw)
• 1 ½ cups (285 g) orzo pasta
• 3 cups (275 g) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or reserved pasta cooking water
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch them. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water if not using chicken broth, then drain the orzo and broccoli and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and keep warm.
3. Make the garlic base: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth or reserved pasta water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked orzo and broccoli back into the skillet. Stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until everything is well mixed and creamy. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Serve the dish warm with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired.

Notes

• Use precooked or raw chicken sausage according to your preference; cooking time for raw may be slightly longer.
• Fresh or frozen broccoli both work well; just make sure to add frozen broccoli earlier to ensure even cooking.
• Reserving pasta water adds starch to the sauce, improving texture if not using chicken broth.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: chicken sausage, broccoli, orzo, skillet dinner, lemon, Parmesan, easy weeknight meal