Description
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo recipe is a quick, flavorful one-pot meal combining tender orzo pasta with savory chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and aromatic garlic. Enhanced with Italian seasoning and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this dish offers a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and comforting pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights, it's easy to prepare and customizable with different sausage varieties or added cream for extra richness.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced (spicy, sweet, or herb-infused)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for creamier texture)
- Substitute chicken sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage (if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and broccoli: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become tender.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir to combine and toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Combine sausage and finish: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir to incorporate and heat through for 2 minutes. If using, add heavy cream now and stir until combined.
- Add cheese and garnish: Remove from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
- Substitute chicken sausage with turkey or plant-based sausage for alternative dietary preferences.
- For a creamier dish, add a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets based on availability.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste, especially if your chicken broth is salted.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheat nicely.
