Description
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a simple, flavorful, and nutritious meal that comes together quickly. With its tender orzo, savory sausage, and fresh veggies, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family. Plus, the optional Parmesan cheese adds a creamy touch that makes the dish even more irresistible. Whether served as a main course or a hearty side, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 cup dry orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb chicken sausage (spicy or mild)
1 ½ cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Additions:
Crushed red pepper flakes (for spice)
Extra protein (chicken, turkey, or beans)
Additional veggies like spinach, kale, or peas
Instructions
-
Brown the Chicken Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. -
Sauté the Garlic
Once the sausage is browned, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s flavor. -
Add the Broccoli
Stir in the broccoli florets and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli starts to soften but still has a bit of crunch. -
Combine Ingredients
Add the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and allow the liquid to cook the orzo. -
Simmer the Orzo
Raise the heat to bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. -
Stir in Parmesan
Remove the pot from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted, creating a creamy texture. -
Serve
Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor
Notes
- Add extra protein: Try adding cooked chicken, turkey, or beans to boost the protein content.
- Spice it up: If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a veggie-packed meal
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
