Easy Orzo Dinner Recipe

This easy orzo dinner recipe brings warm flavor, quick cooking, and dependable comfort to your table, which makes it a helpful choice for Easy Weeknight Dinners and cozy Fall Healthy Dinner Recipes. The tender pasta blends smoothly with vegetables and sausage for a balanced meal, and it slides easily into your Week Dinner Menu Ideas. For inspiration on pairing seafood with simple sides, you can explore this Christmas salmon guide while planning your menu.

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

• Orzo cooks quickly, which keeps the entire meal ready in under thirty minutes.
• Sausage and orzo build hearty flavor without extra steps.
• Broccoli adds color and nutrients for a balanced bowl.
• The recipe scales well for meal prep and busy nights.
• Simple seasoning keeps the dish calm, warm, and family friendly.

Ingredient Breakdown

This section helps you understand how each ingredient supports flavor, texture, and nutrition, especially when building Sausage And Orzo dishes for regular rotation. If you want more pantry friendly ideas, a quick look at these canned black eyed peas notes may guide your approach.

• Orzo brings a tender base that cooks fast and absorbs seasoning smoothly.
• Italian sausage gives savory depth and blends well with mild vegetables.
• Broccoli offers bright color and crisp structure when lightly cooked.
• Onion and garlic create a warm aromatic foundation.
• Chicken broth supports a silky finish that keeps the orzo moist.
• Parmesan melts into a creamy final layer.

How to Make It

Prep

1. Chop broccoli into small florets.
2. Dice onion and mince garlic.
3. Shred Parmesan and measure broth and seasonings.

Cook

1. Brown sausage in a large skillet until fully cooked.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft.
3. Stir in orzo and toast lightly for one to two minutes.
4. Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add broccoli and cook until orzo becomes tender.

Finish and Serve

1. Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan for a creamy texture.
2. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
3. Let the skillet rest for two minutes before serving.

Time Saving Options

These tips help you move smoothly from prep to table on busy evenings while keeping this easy orzo dinner recipe dependable and flavorful.

• Use pre chopped broccoli to cut down on prep time.
• Choose fully cooked sausage to reduce browning time.
• Keep broth warm so the orzo simmers faster.
• Review quick pantry meals like this classic southern black eyed peas article for more fast cooking ideas.

Variations You Can Try

This recipe adapts well when you want lighter flavors or stronger seasonal ingredients, and you can adjust it easily while exploring different Easy Weeknight Dinners.

• Swap sausage for ground turkey for a lighter bowl.
• Add spinach near the end for softer greens.
• Use roasted red peppers for extra sweetness.
• Stir in a little lemon zest for brightness.

Easy Orzo Dinner

This easy orzo dinner recipe combines tender orzo pasta with savory Italian sausage, fresh broccoli, and a creamy Parmesan finish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. The dish is hearty, comforting, and family-friendly, with simple ingredients that balance flavor and nutrition.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 510

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage crumbled or sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets chopped
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large Skillet

Method

 

1. Chop broccoli, dice onion, and mince garlic. Shred Parmesan and prepare all ingredients.
2. In a large skillet, brown sausage over medium heat until fully cooked.
3. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add broccoli and cook until orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use pre-chopped broccoli and pre-cooked sausage to save time. You can substitute broccoli with peas, spinach, or zucchini. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking and keep the broth warm for quicker cooking.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can make this dish a few hours early and reheat it gently with a splash of broth to loosen the orzo. The pasta thickens as it rests, so the extra liquid helps maintain a smooth texture. Keep it stored in an airtight container, and reheat on the stove over low heat. The broccoli will soften slightly but still hold flavor. This approach fits well into meal prep and Easy Weeknight Dinners. The method keeps the balance of sausage, vegetables, and orzo steady without extra effort.

Can I substitute the broccoli?

You can replace broccoli with peas, asparagus, or chopped zucchini. These vegetables cook quickly and stay tender without turning mushy. Add them near the end of cooking so they keep their color. Each vegetable brings a different texture, but all blend well with sausage and orzo. Choose vegetables that match the season or use what you already have prepared.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Keep the heat at a gentle simmer and stir the skillet every few minutes. The starch releases as orzo cooks, so even movement helps maintain a smooth surface. Using enough broth also prevents sticking because the pasta absorbs liquid quickly. Letting the dish rest at the end helps the remaining liquid distribute evenly and improves the creamy finish.

Final Thoughts

This easy orzo dinner recipe brings steady comfort, clean flavor, and calm prep, which supports busy evenings without stress. If you want more ideas that round out simple meals, explore dishes like these classic southern black eyed peas for supportive menu planning.