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One-Pot Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe for a Quick Healthy Dinner - Featured Image

One-Pot Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe for a Quick Healthy Dinner

Learn how to make delicious Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients is key to making this dish shine. I always look for chicken sausage with good seasoning—something that packs flavor but isn’t too salty or greasy. For the broccoli, I prefer fresh florets that still have a bright green color and a bit of snap, which keeps the dish lively and satisfying. Orzo pasta is the perfect little grain here because it cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully, giving a creamy texture without heaviness. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound chicken sausage (mild or spicy, sliced)
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)

If you want to swap the chicken sausage, turkey sausage works nicely too. For a vegetarian twist, try plant-based sausage and substitute veggie broth for the chicken broth. Fresh lemon juice at the end always brightens the dish, but feel free to skip if you prefer a milder flavor.

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the orzo pasta to the pan and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  5. When the orzo is nearly done, stir in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just tender.
  6. Return the cooked sausage to the pan, stirring to combine and heat through.
  7. Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

A quick tip from my kitchen: don’t skip toasting the orzo—it adds a subtle nutty flavor that makes this dish extra comforting. Also, stirring gently but regularly prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo, recipe, cooking, food