Description
Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is the ultimate weeknight dinner – it’s quick, easy, and packed with delicious flavors. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken sausage, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo in a lemon-Parmesan sauce that will have your taste buds singing. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or a healthy dish to meal-prep, this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounce chicken sausage (pre-cooked), sliced into rounds
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cup broccoli florets (small bite-size)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until browned.
2. Toast the Orzo and Garlic: Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add the orzo and toast it for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Simmer the Dish: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking.
4. Add the Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets, cover the skillet, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more. The orzo should be tender, and the broccoli should be bright green and crisp-tender. If the mixture looks a bit dry, add a splash of extra broth.
5. Make it Creamy: Turn off the heat and stir in the butter, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season the Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. A serving provides approximately 380 calories, 25g of protein, 14g of fat, and 37g of carbohydrates. The chicken sausage and broccoli offer a solid source of protein and fiber, while the Parmesan cheese and lemon add a touch of creaminess and brightness. To make this dish even healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter or cheese, or use a low-fat or dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg