Description
A warm and cozy weeknight meal featuring creamy orzo, browned chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dry orzo (about 175 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz (about 340 g) chicken sausage, sliced (mild or smoked)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon zest (for brightness)
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients: slice sausage, chop onion, mince garlic, and cut broccoli into florets.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and brown for 3–4 minutes. Remove sausage to a plate.
- Add remaining olive oil to the pan, toss in onion, and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add dry orzo to the pan, toasting for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until light golden.
- Pour in chicken broth, scrape up browned bits, bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli and browned sausage, cover, and simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until creamy. Let sit for 1–2 minutes to thicken.
- Serve in warm bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Use unsalted butter or olive oil for cooking, and shred real Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg