Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Recipe
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken sausage, vibrant broccoli florets, and creamy orzo pasta cooked in savory chicken broth with Italian seasoning. Finished with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for a comforting and easy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Broth
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but remain bright green and slightly crisp.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Spoon the orzo mixture into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for richer flavor; vegetable broth can be substituted for a lighter taste.
- Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice or red pepper flakes for extra brightness or heat.
- For a lower calorie option, reduce the amount of olive oil or cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Ensure to stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot.
Keywords: chicken sausage, broccoli, orzo, one-pot meal, Italian seasoning, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe
