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Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe

4.5 from 118 reviews

This hearty Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo recipe combines tender chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and creamy Parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Cooked in a single pot, it’s an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner packed with protein and veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp.
  4. Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  6. Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined for a creamy finish.
  7. Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it lighter.
  • For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the Parmesan cheese.
  • Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: chicken sausage, broccoli, orzo, one pot meal, easy dinner, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, quick dinner