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Quick Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

A one-pan, 20-minute weeknight dinner featuring seared chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta in a light garlic parmesan sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Healthy, Italian-American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz chicken sausage links sliced into coins (pre-cooked variety)
  • 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta uncooked
  • 1 head broccoli cut into small florets
  • 3 cups chicken broth low sodium
Aromatics & Finish
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 lemon juice and zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Slice chicken sausage into 1/4 inch rounds. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add sausage to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the pan drippings and sauté for 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in dry orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in broccoli florets. Cover the pan and cook for another 3-5 minutes until broccoli is tender and orzo is al dente.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in the cooked sausage, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Garnish with lemon zest and parsley.

Notes

If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is cooked, add a splash of water or extra broth. The sauce will thicken as it stands.