Name: Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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)

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

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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)

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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.