Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines protein, veggies, and pasta all in one pot. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal for yourself. The flavors meld beautifully, and it’s easy to make, making it a great weeknight option. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup?
How to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage (sliced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Mix in the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream just before serving if desired.
How to Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Serve this dish hot, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if you like. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a filling lunch option.
How to Store Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Chop your broccoli into small florets for quicker cooking and better texture.
- If you want to enhance the flavor, sauté the garlic until it’s golden brown, but be careful not to burn it!
- Experiment with different vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for variety.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, you can replace chicken sausage with your choice of plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. You may also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to make it even heartier.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even use regular rice if you adjust the cooking time.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: While it can be frozen, the texture of the broccoli and orzo may change slightly. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Q: Can I add more spices to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add red pepper flakes for some heat or extra herbs for more flavor. Adjust to your taste!
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage (sliced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets Chopped into small pieces for faster cooking.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) Can be sautéed until golden for extra flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add towards the end for a creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped) For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Mix in the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.