Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Directions to follow

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until browned and cooked through.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute. Stir frequently until it becomes fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
4. Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften while still retaining some crunch.
5. Combine orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and most liquid has been absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and evenly coats the orzo and sausage.
8. Spoon the mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Best ways to enjoy it

This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal by serving it alongside a simple mixed green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delightful sauce. Pair it with a light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing contrast.

Keeping leftovers fresh

To ensure you enjoy every last bite, it’s important to store any leftovers properly. Allow the orzo to cool at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in individual servings, but note that the texture of the orzo may change slightly upon reheating.

Pro chef tips

• Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should retain some crunch for both texture and color.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk along with the Parmesan cheese.

Creative twists

Feel free to customize this dish to your taste! You can swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or add some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor. For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based alternatives or chickpeas.

FAQ

What’s the prep time for this recipe?

Prep time is around 10 minutes, and once everything is in the pot, cooking takes about 10-12 minutes.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! You can choose turkey sausage or even a spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

How do I reheat leftovers safely?

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to help restore moisture. Make sure it’s heated all the way through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo

A hearty and flavorful dish combining chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo, perfect for quick weeknight meals.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking
• 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced Can substitute with turkey sausage
• 2 cups broccoli florets Avoid overcooking for crunch
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Be careful not to burn
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For creaminess
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Method

 

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant.
4. Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften while still retaining some crunch.
5. Combine orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most liquid has been absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and coats the orzo and sausage.
8. Spoon the mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

To ensure freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with chicken broth to restore moisture. Consider adding lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.