Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 12 oz chicken sausage, cut into half-inch pieces
02 - 1 cup dried orzo pasta
03 - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

→ Liquids & Seasonings

06 - 2½ cups chicken broth
07 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
09 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing Touches

11 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# Instructions:

01 - Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned on both sides. Remove to a plate and set aside.
02 - Add the remaining oil to the same skillet. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir it around for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for 8 minutes.
04 - Stir in the broccoli florets and nestle the browned sausage back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir, cover again, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the orzo has soaked up most of the broth.
05 - Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - This one-pan wonder comes together in about 25 minutes and makes cleanup a breeze.
02 - Feel free to swap the broccoli for other quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
03 - Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave.

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