If you’re on the lookout for a comforting yet vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender slices of savory chicken sausage mingling with bright green broccoli florets and buttery orzo pasta, all brought together with fragrant garlic, Italian seasoning, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe plays a starring role, combining simple pantry staples with fresh produce and flavorful sausage to create a harmonious dish. Each element adds its own character—whether it’s the slight chew of orzo, the meaty richness of sausage, or the vibrant snap of broccoli—resulting in a delightful meal that never feels heavy or complicated.
- 2 cups orzo pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the broth beautifully for a creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a silky base for browning the sausage and infusing the dish with richness.
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced: Choose your favorite flavor to bring protein and savory depth to every bite.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen both work, and they bring wonderful color and a healthy crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds that irresistible fragrant punch that wakes up the flavors.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that turns the orzo tender and infuses the whole dish with savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the main ingredients.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and brighten the dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for creamy, cheesy goodness that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal burst and beautiful color just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. Browning the sausage not only develops flavor but also releases some beautiful juices that will enrich the final dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir it around the pot for about a minute. Garlic cooks quickly and you want it to become fragrant without browning or burning, which can turn it bitter. This quick step infuses the oil with wonderful aroma and builds a flavorful foundation.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the pot and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. The goal here is to soften the broccoli just enough so it’s tender but still retains a delightful crunch and bright green color, providing a fresh contrast to the rich sausage and tender orzo.
Step 4: Add Orzo and Broth
Pour in the orzo pasta along with all the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine so the orzo is evenly distributed and submerged in the broth. This is where the magic begins—the orzo will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the orzo tender and most of the liquid absorbed, creating a creamy consistency that binds all the ingredients.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Once the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is nearly gone, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts seamlessly into the mixture. This step adds a luscious creaminess and a savory umami finish that elevates the entire dish to something truly special.
Step 7: Serve
Finally, spoon the Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe into serving bowls and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the rich and hearty components, making each bite feel balanced and inviting.
How to Serve Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to make the dish shine. Toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of lemon juice create layers of texture and brightness that take this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe from great to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This meal is quite complete on its own, but if you want to round it out, light side salads featuring crisp greens and vinaigrette pair wonderfully. Crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, and a glass of chilled white wine complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe inside hollowed-out bell peppers or a large baked tomato for a stunning presentation. Alternatively, turn it into a hearty stuffed pasta shell filling or bake it in a casserole dish topped with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a gratin-style delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, allow the Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks when you want a ready-made home-cooked meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but be aware that broccoli may soften further upon thawing. For best results, freeze it without the fresh parsley garnish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the creaminess. Stir frequently to warm evenly and prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the dish perfectly moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage keeps this dish light and flavorful, you can substitute with pork, turkey, or even spicy chorizo to change things up. Just adjust cooking time as needed depending on the sausage type.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well, especially if you don’t have fresh on hand. Just add it straight to the pot when instructed and cook a little longer until tender. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly option.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta alternative or use rice for a similar texture. Keep in mind the cook time might vary slightly depending on the pasta chosen.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors rich yet meat-free.
What’s the best way to get creamy texture without cream?
The key is the orzo absorbing the flavorful broth and the Parmesan cheese melting in at the end. This combination creates a natural creaminess that feels indulgent without needing any heavy cream.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe a try soon! It’s the kind of dish that feels special but comes together effortlessly, perfect for sharing with family or friends any night of the week. The balance of savory sausage, tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and cheesy goodness creates a comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken sausage, fresh broccoli florets, and tender orzo pasta all simmered in a savory chicken broth with Italian seasoning. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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
- 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 for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined for a creamy texture.
- Serve: Plate the dish hot and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- If you prefer softer broccoli, cook it a little longer during the simmering step.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
