Weeknight • Pasta
Speedy Sausage and Broccolini Orzo
A flavorful one-pan orzo dish packed with savory sausage and crisp-tender broccolini.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Weeknight dinner just got a whole lot easier and more delicious! This Speedy Sausage and Broccolini Orzo cooks up in a single skillet and is bursting with robust flavors. The tiny pasta soaks up all the goodness, creating a creamy texture that's utterly satisfying. You’ll love how quickly this comes together!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving behind a little drippings.
Step 2
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Stir in the dry orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, toasting it slightly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 4
Uncover, add the broccolini pieces and cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir gently, then re-cover and continue to cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and the broccolini is tender-crisp. Most of the liquid should be absorbed.
Step 5
Remove from heat, stir in the Parmesan cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan.
Tips
- If you don't have broccolini, regular broccoli florets or even chopped asparagus can be used.
- For a creamier finish, a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese can be stirred in at the end.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
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