Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo – Quick, Easy, and Packed with Flavor
The Ultimate Flavor-Bomb Dinner! 🌟
Ever walked into the kitchen, sniffed something amazing, and thought, "I need that in my life"? Well, Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is about to become your new kitchen obsession. This dish is quick, creamy, and combines all the goodness that makes your taste buds dance with joy. Plus, it all happens in just one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Yes, please!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you drop everything and whip up this goodness? Let me give you a few reasons:
- One-Pan Wonder: Who doesn’t love a delicious meal without the mountain of dishes afterward? 🙋♂️
- Family-Friendly: The kids will dig it, and let’s be real, anything that gets them to eat their veggies is a win!
- Affordable and Quick: Grocery costs can be scary, but this recipe keeps it simple and budget-friendly!
Ingredients You Don’t Need Fancy Stuff — Just These Basics!
Here’s what you’ll need to shine in the kitchen:
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup Parmesan (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Time to cook up some magic! Follow these simple steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet and brown the sausage slices for about 3-4 minutes. Once they’re golden, remove them and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in the same skillet until they soften and smell amazing (seriously, your kitchen will thank you).
- Add the orzo and toast it for 1-2 minutes. This little step amps up the flavor!
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the broccoli during the last 3 minutes of simmering so it stays vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Return the sausage, add lemon juice, sprinkle with Parmesan (if using), and give it all a good mix. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo – Quick, Easy, and Packed with Flavor (Overview)
Let’s break it down, shall we? Start by getting that skillet heated and browning up your chicken sausage—smell that? Next, throw in the onion and garlic until it’s all soft and inviting. Add the orzo, let it toast (don’t skip this step!), and bring in the chicken broth. As it simmers, toss in the broccoli to keep it fresh and bright. Finally, mix everything back together, and voilà! Dinner is served. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!
How to Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo – Quick, Easy, and Packed with Flavor
Ready to impress? Serve this dish hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice for that zesty kick. The brilliant greens of the broccoli contrast beautifully with the creamy orzo, creating a visually stunning plate. Plus, when you dig in, the warm, savory aroma wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Dreamy, right?
How to Store Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo – Quick, Easy, and Packed with Flavor
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container for best results. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave or a warm-up on the stove works wonders—just add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life!
Tips to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo – Quick, Easy, and Packed with Flavor
Here are some insider tricks to make your dish even better:
- Timing is Everything: Don’t let the orzo sit too long in the broth; it can get mushy!
- Ingredient Swaps: Swap broccoli for spinach or any other veggie you love—the world is your oyster!
- Texture Tips: If you like your orzo a bit firmer, check it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
Variation
Want to give it a twist? Try adding some red pepper flakes for heat, or replace the chicken sausage with tofu for a vegetarian option. You can even add nuts for crunch or switch up the broth for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just cook and store as mentioned above.
2. What can I substitute for the sausage?
Use turkey sausage, chicken breast, or even veggie sausage for a lighter take.
3. Can I freeze it?
Yes, it freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Ingrédients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the sausage slices for about 3-4 minutes. Once they’re golden, remove them and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in the same skillet until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add the orzo and toast it for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the broccoli during the last 3 minutes of simmering to keep it vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Return the sausage to the skillet, add lemon juice, sprinkle with Parmesan (if using), and mix everything together.
- Serve hot and enjoy!