Description
A cozy, one-pan dinner featuring juicy Italian sausage, tender broccoli, and orzo pasta tossed in a creamy Parmesan and lemon sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty yet light bowl is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 8 oz orzo pasta
- 12 oz Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
- More Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions (about 7-9 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While orzo cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add diced onion and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in broccoli florets and pour in chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 3-5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and just tender.
- Add cooked orzo to the skillet. Toss everything together over low heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until creamy and well combined.
- Spoon into bowls and top with more Parmesan, fresh parsley or basil, and a wedge of lemon. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo and check your sausage label. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Don’t overcook the orzo or broccoli—both should be just tender. Reserve pasta water to help create a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Add extra veggies or swap sausage for a plant-based option as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 20
Keywords: sausage broccoli orzo, one-pan dinner, 30-minute meal, easy pasta, weeknight dinner, Italian sausage, broccoli recipe, creamy orzo, family dinner, skillet meal