Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
