Weeknight • Pasta
Spicy Sausage and Broccolini Orzo
A zesty and satisfying skillet meal featuring spicy sausage, tender broccolini, and tiny, comforting orzo pasta.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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If you're looking for a quick and flavorful dish that brings a little warmth to your plate, this Spicy Sausage and Broccolini Orzo is your answer! The subtle kick from the sausage perfectly complements the fresh, slightly bitter broccolini, all tied together with silky orzo. It's a comforting yet vibrant skillet meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
Step 3
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta.
Step 4
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be mostly cooked and the broth mostly absorbed.
Step 5
Stir in the chopped broccolini, re-cover, and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the broccolini is tender-crisp and the orzo is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 6
Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon, if desired.
Tips
- If you don't like spicy food, use mild Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to substitute rapini or even chopped broccoli florets for broccolini.
- A splash of white wine can be added with the broth for extra depth of flavor.
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