Sometimes, the best meals come together in a flash, and that’s exactly what Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is all about. Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and you’re pulling together dinner without much time to spare. This recipe not only fills the belly but also warms the heart, reminding me of cozy family gatherings where everything felt right with the world. Let me tell you more about this simple yet satisfying dish!

What Makes This So Good

Flavorful Protein: The chicken sausage adds a savory punch.
Nutritious Greens: Broccoli florets not only provide color but also pack in essential nutrients.
Creamy Indulgence: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese delivers that delicious creaminess.
Easy One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes it a winner for any home cook.

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) chicken sausage, sliced
2 cups (300 g) broccoli florets
1 ½ cups (270 g) orzo pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Smart Swaps

Gluten-Free: Replace orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
Dairy-Free: Omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Sourcing Tips

When selecting broccoli, choose florets that are bright green and firm to the touch. For chicken sausage, I recommend going for brands that use natural ingredients with no added preservatives—your taste buds will thank you!

Directions

Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced chicken sausage until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and cook until they are slightly tender (about 3-4 minutes).
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Orzo: Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is cooked through and has absorbed most of the broth.
Finish the Dish: Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet, mixing well. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Safety Note

Always handle hot cookware with care to avoid burns, and ensure utensils or surfaces are clean to prevent cross-contamination.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo makes for a wonderful stand-alone dish. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad to elevate your meal.

Storage and Reheat Guidance

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.

Pro Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sausage and vegetables a day in advance; just mix everything together when you’re ready to eat.
Transport: Perfect for meal prep pack it in separate containers for quick lunches!
Re-Crisp: If you find leftovers a bit soggy, try reheating in a skillet without the lid to keep that texture nice and satisfying.

Quick Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat!
Extra Veggies: Toss in baby spinach or kale for added nutrients.
One-Pan Version: Bake everything in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes instead for a hands-off approach.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just add it in the last few minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
What can I substitute for chicken sausage?
Turkey sausage or even homemade chicken patties work great if you’re looking for varieties!
Is this dish freezable?
It’s best freshly made, but if you must, freeze it without the cheese, as dairy doesn’t freeze well. Reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy!

Now you’re ready to whip up this delightful Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo! It’s an easy and delicious meal perfect for those busy nights and will surely leave everyone coming back for seconds. Happy cooking!

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Print Recipe

A quick and satisfying one-pan meal featuring chicken sausage, nutritious broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) chicken sausage, sliced
2 cups (300 g) broccoli florets
1 ½ cups (270 g) orzo pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced chicken sausage until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
Toss in the broccoli florets and cook until they are slightly tender (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is cooked through and has absorbed most of the broth.
Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet, mixing well. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

For gluten-free, replace orzo with quinoa. To make it vegetarian, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. Omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Author: soukaina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pan
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Paleo