Easy • Pasta
Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
This vibrant one-pan dish combines savory sausage, tender broccoli, and toothsome orzo with a hint of spice for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Easy
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Looking for a flavorful, hearty meal that comes together in one pan? This Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is your answer! It's packed with savory Italian sausage, crisp-tender broccoli, and tiny pasta, all kissed with a hint of chili heat. Simple to make and incredibly delicious, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild), casing removed
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and remove sausage to a plate, leaving a small amount of rendered fat in the pan.
Step 2
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4
Stir in the orzo, salt, and pepper. Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5
Uncover the skillet, stir in the broccoli florets. Cover again and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and the broccoli is crisp-tender. If the liquid absorbs too quickly and the orzo is still firm, add a splash more broth or water.
Step 6
Remove from heat. Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Step 7
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- If using frozen broccoli, you can add it directly to the skillet; no need to thaw beforehand.
- For a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes or use only a pinch.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up all the flavors.
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