Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

why make this recipe

This dish is quick, filling, and uses simple ingredients. It gives you protein, vegetables, and pasta in one pan. You can cook it on a weeknight and have little cleanup.

introduction

This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo recipe cooks fast and tastes good. It has savory sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy orzo with Parmesan. If you like easy one-pan dinners, you might also enjoy a similar oven-baked dish like this baked potato chicken broccoli casserole.

how to make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

You brown the sausage, cook the aromatics, add broccoli and orzo, then simmer in broth until the pasta is tender. Finish by stirring the sausage back in and sprinkling Parmesan.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

• In a large skillet, cook the chicken sausage slices until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
• Add the broccoli florets and cook until slightly tender.
• Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
• Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is cooked through.
• Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and mix well.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish and season with salt and pepper.

how to serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Serve hot straight from the skillet. Add extra grated Parmesan on top if you like. A green salad or crusty bread pairs well.

how to store Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Cool the dish to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

tips to make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

• Slice the sausage evenly so it cooks in the same time.
• Use low-sodium broth if you watch salt, and add salt at the end.
• Stir the orzo a few times while it cooks to keep it from sticking.
• If the mixture gets too thick, add a little hot broth or water.

variation (if any)

• Swap broccoli for spinach or asparagus for a different green.
• Use smoked chicken sausage for a stronger flavor.
• Stir in a splash of cream or a spoon of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Add frozen broccoli a few minutes longer while cooking so it becomes tender.

Q: Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes, but cook time may change. Small pastas like ditalini work best.

Q: How do I make it vegetarian?
A: Replace chicken sausage with sliced mushrooms or a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: You can freeze, but texture may change. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Print