Description
This wholesome Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a cozy, protein-packed one-pan meal ready in under 30 minutes. Made with tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and nutrient-rich broccoli, it’s a quick weeknight dinner, healthy meal prep recipe, or light lunch idea that’s hearty yet nourishing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage (precooked, sliced – about 4 links)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, extra parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add dry orzo and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in broccoli florets. Cover and cook 4–5 minutes until orzo is tender and broccoli bright green.
- Return sausage to skillet and stir in parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan and lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Toast orzo before adding broth for nutty flavor.
- Don’t overcook orzo — it continues cooking off-heat.
- Add broccoli toward the end for best texture and color.
- For dairy-free, swap parmesan with a vegan alternative.
- Great for meal prep — refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Healthy Meals, One-Pot Recipes
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Chicken Sausage and Orzo, Healthy Dinner, Broccoli Orzo, One-Pan Meal, 30 Minute Meals, Meal Prep Recipes