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One-Pan Creamy Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Lemon Orzo

Close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy chicken sausage and broccoli orzo, topped with herbs and cheese.
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Make this easy, high-protein orzo dinner in one pan. This recipe combines savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta with a bright lemon finish for a fast weeknight meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 4 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the broccoli florets and dry orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir the cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice until the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a less creamy result, reduce the heavy cream to 1/4 cup and omit the Parmesan cheese.
  • You can substitute Italian sausage for chicken sausage if you prefer a richer flavor.
  • This recipe works well for weeknight meal prep; leftovers reheat nicely on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/chicken-sausage-and-broccoli-orzo/