One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo Recipe
This One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo is a quick and hearty meal that combines tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausages, fresh broccoli, and a creamy parmesan sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Proteins
- 4 fully cooked chicken sausages, sliced
Vegetables
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli
Grains
- 1 cup dry orzo
Dairy
- 1 cup half and half
- 3 ounces Parmigiano Reggiano, shredded or grated (about 1 cup)
Others
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat about 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced fully cooked chicken sausages and sauté for approximately 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides.
- Sauté Garlic and Orzo: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for roughly 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the dry orzo and cook for an additional 1 minute, ensuring the orzo is coated well with the oil and garlic mixture.
- Deglaze and Add Broccoli: Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the chopped broccoli, season with 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Orzo and Broccoli: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until the orzo is nearly cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Add Cream and Finish Cooking: Pour in the half and half and bring to a light boil uncovered. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the orzo is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese and Adjust Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded Parmigiano Reggiano. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of hot water to loosen it to desired consistency.
Notes
- Use fully cooked chicken sausages to save time and ensure thorough heating and browning.
- Stir the orzo frequently when adding the half and half to prevent sticking to the pan and ensure even cooking.
- You can swap broccoli for other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or zucchini if preferred.
- If a dairy-free alternative is desired, use a suitable plant-based cream substitute and vegan cheese.
- Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper to taste before serving.
