Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a delightful dish that combines flavorful ingredients into a hearty meal. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting dinner with family. The main ingredients work together beautifully to create a delightful pasta dish that is both filling and nutritious.
This recipe is great for many reasons. First, it brings together the satisfying taste of chicken sausage and the nutritious crunch of broccoli, making it a balanced meal. Moreover, using orzo pasta gives it a unique texture that adds interest to each bite. It’s simple, quick, and requires only one pot, which means easy cleanup. Whether you are cooking for yourself or for a group, this dish ticks all the boxes!
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 olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a 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 Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving (optional).
How to Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo warm, straight from the pot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can add a nice touch!
How to Store Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Tips to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Choose a chicken sausage that you enjoy, as it will greatly influence the dish’s flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain bright green and slightly crisp.
- If you want to enhance the flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. You can also swap out the chicken sausage for turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or simply use more vegetables and add extra protein like chickpeas.
3. Can I freeze Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for about 2-3 months.
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking
- 1 pound chicken sausage (sliced) Choose your preferred flavor
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped) For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
Cooking
- Add orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a 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 Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving (optional).