Ugh, weeknights, am I right? Between work, after-school stuff, and just…life, sometimes getting a decent meal on the table feels impossible. That’s where this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo comes in, and trust me, it’s a lifesaver! I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was *desperate* for something quick that wasn’t takeout. Now, it’s a total family favorite. It’s all made in one pan (hallelujah!) and packed with flavor. Seriously, you gotta try this!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Okay, so why *should* you make this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo? Let me tell you, it’s a total winner because:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. That’s faster than ordering pizza, and way healthier!

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One-Pan Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo for Easy Cleanup

My favorite part! Everything cooks in one pan, which means less scrubbing and more time relaxing. You can’t beat that, right?

Healthy and Delicious Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

It’s packed with protein from the sausage and vitamins from the broccoli! Plus, orzo is just so much fun to eat. It’s a win-win!

Ingredients for Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. Don’t worry if you don’t have *everything* – it’s super flexible, but this is my go-to list:

12 oz chicken sausage, cut into half-inch pieces (I like using sweet Italian for this!)
1 cup dried orzo pasta (the small, rice-shaped kind!)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small (don’t be shy with the broccoli!)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped (or minced – whatever you prefer!)
2½ cups chicken broth (low sodium is always a good idea)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian herb blend (I usually just eyeball this, haha!)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional, but gives it a nice kick!)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste, of course!)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (the *real* stuff, please!)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (brightens everything up!)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for a pop of color and freshness)

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How to Prepare Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Okay, here’s the fun part – putting it all together! Don’t worry, it’s super simple, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo in no time. Ready? Let’s do this!

Cooking the Chicken Sausage

First, you’ll want to heat about half of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add your sliced chicken sausage and cook it for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s nicely browned on both sides. Mmm, that sausage smell is the best!

Building the Flavor Base

Now, take the sausage out and set it aside on a plate. Add the rest of the olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in your diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them!), stirring for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing – careful not to burn the garlic!

Cooking the Orzo and Broccoli

Next, add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir it around for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it. This adds a nice nutty flavor! Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any of those tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor is! Bring it to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for about 8 minutes. Then, stir in the broccoli florets and nestle the browned sausage back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir, cover again, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the orzo has soaked up most of the broth.

Finishing the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Alright, almost there! Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Taste it and season with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve it up immediately while it’s nice and hot! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Okay, so you wanna make this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo *perfect*, right? Trust me, these little tips will make a big difference! First off, **don’t overcook the orzo!** Nobody likes mushy pasta. You want it al dente – a little bite to it. Also, spring for the **freshly grated Parmesan cheese**. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same. And finally, **taste, taste, taste!** Adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra salt? More pepper? Go for it! That’s what makes it *your* Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo!

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, and you’re loving it! But what if you want to mix things up a bit? No problem! This recipe is super versatile. Here are some fun ideas to try – get creative!

Different Sausage Options

Instead of sweet Italian chicken sausage, try spicy Italian, or even apple chicken sausage! Or, go wild and use chorizo for a smokier flavor. So good!

Vegetable Substitutions

Don’t have broccoli? No sweat! Zucchini, bell peppers (any color!), or even spinach work great in this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo. Just toss ’em in!

Adding Cheese

Parmesan is classic, but mozzarella or provolone are delicious too! Stir in a handful at the end for extra cheesiness – yum!

Storing and Reheating Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days. To reheat, just microwave it for a couple of minutes, or warm it up in a skillet with a splash of broth. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Got questions about this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo? I got you! Here are some of the most common things people ask, so you can make this recipe with total confidence.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Totally! If you’re not an orzo fan, you can swap it out for another small pasta shape like ditalini or even small shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, since different pastas cook at different rates. You might need to adjust the amount of broth, too. Just sayin’!

Can I make this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo ahead of time?

You bet! This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is great for meal prepping. Just cook it according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet with a little extra broth. So easy!

Is this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo gluten-free?

Unfortunately, orzo pasta isn’t naturally gluten-free. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy this dish! Just swap the regular orzo for a gluten-free orzo alternative. There are some great brands out there, and they work just as well. Just be sure to check the cooking time on the package, since gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook a little differently.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Heads up! The nutrition info can totally change based on the brands you use and how big your servings are. So, yeah, it’s just an estimate!

Enjoyed this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe?

Awesome! I’m so glad you gave it a try! If you loved it as much as my family does, please leave a comment and let me know! And hey, sharing is caring – so spread the love on social media!