Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal that’s both hearty and flavorful. With tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and fresh broccoli, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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 (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Step 4: Add the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
• You can substitute broccoli with spinach or kale for a different green vegetable.
• Use turkey or pork sausage if chicken sausage isn’t available.
• Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors nicely.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the mixture if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, dried parsley can be used, but add it earlier during cooking to allow the flavor to develop, as fresh herbs are best added at the end for brightness.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative for protein.

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 113 reviews

A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta cooked with savory chicken sausage, vibrant broccoli florets, and a blend of Italian seasonings. Finished with creamy Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley garnish, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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 (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
4. Add Orzo and Broth: Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Simmer. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly been absorbed.
6. Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and well combined, adding creaminess to the dish.
7. Serve: Serve the orzo hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
• For a spicier version, use spicy chicken sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Substitute the chicken sausage with turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage to suit dietary preferences.
• The broccoli can be swapped for other vegetables like spinach or zucchini based on availability.
• Ensure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot.

Keywords: chicken sausage, broccoli, orzo, one-pot meal, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese