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Weeknight • Pork

Hearty Sausage and Broccolini Orzo

A satisfying one-pan dish featuring savory sausage, tender broccolini, and creamy orzo, perfect for busy evenings.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Hearty Sausage and Broccolini Orzo

Get ready for a deliciously comforting meal that’s hearty enough to fill you up but easy enough for any weeknight! This Hearty Sausage and Broccolini Orzo brings together tender pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, and bright broccolini all in one skillet. It's rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying, with minimal cleanup!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 oz broccolini, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if needed. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Add the chopped broccolini to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften and turn vibrant green.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the uncooked orzo, chicken broth, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.

  5. Step 5

    Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  6. Step 6

    Remove from heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling.

Tips

  • If you can't find broccolini, regular broccoli florets or even chopped asparagus would work well.
  • A splash of white wine (about 1/4 cup) added after the garlic and before the broth can add extra depth of flavor.

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