Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo
Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo is always the first thing that springs to me when I think of comfort food.
This recipe is like a warm embrace on a platter. It’s great for hectic weeknights when you want something filling but quick.
You may make a supper that fills you up and delights your loved ones with just a few simple ingredients.
The savory chicken sausage, bright broccoli, and soft orzo all work together to make a great flavor combination.
Believe me, this recipe will become a regular in your kitchen and make your dinners happy.
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo will transform the way you cook on busy nights.
Not only is it easy to make, but it also tastes great and is good for you.
You can make a delicious meal in approximately 30 minutes without any trouble.
The fresh broccoli goes nicely with the flavorful chicken sausage, and the orzo provides a nice texture.
It’s a one-pot meal that makes cleaning up easy, so you have more time to relax.
Ingredients for Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo
The first step to making a tasty Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is to get all the right ingredients.
This is what you’ll need:
- Orzo pasta: This small type of pasta cooks rapidly and soaks up flavors well, which makes it the perfect base for our dish.
- Olive oil is a must-have in Italian cooking. It makes the sausage richer and helps it cook to a beautiful brown.
- Pick your favorite kind of chicken sausage: spicy, sweet, or even herb-infused. It’s the main event!
- Broccoli florets: Whether fresh or frozen, broccoli provides color and a healthy crunch to the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a rich, fragrant depth that makes the flavor profile better.
- Chicken broth: This liquid gold adds flavor to the orzo and makes every bite better.
- Italian seasoning is a mix of herbs that gives the food a classic Italian flavor, making it feel real.
- Salt and pepper are important for seasoning since they help balance the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and a salty flavor, making the meal even more decadent.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley not only makes the food seem better, but it also gives it a fresh touch.
If you want to change things up, try using turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage instead of chicken sausage for a new taste.
A dab of heavy cream right before serving might make the dish creamier.
Exact ingredient amounts
- ◯ 2 cups of orzo pasta
- ◯ 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- ◯ 1 pound of chicken sausage, cut into pieces
- ◯ 2 cups of broccoli florets
- ◯ 3 cloves of chopped garlic
- ◯ 4 cups of chicken broth
- ◯ 1 teaspoon of Italian spices
- ◯ Salt and pepper to taste
- ◯ 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- ◯ 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Put a big pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced chicken sausage after the oil starts to shimmer. Stir it every so often and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is well browned. This step is really important. Browning the sausage makes it taste better and gives it a nice texture.
- Then add the garlic that has been chopped up. Cook it for about a minute, or until it smells good. This is where the magic happens! Garlic gives the meal a deeper flavor that makes it impossible to refuse.
- Now you may put in the broccoli florets. Stir them in and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they start to soften. Not only does the brilliant green color look good, but it also adds a healthy crunch to the mix.
- Add the orzo, then the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients every so often until it comes to a boil. This step is very important to make sure the orzo cooks evenly and takes in all the great flavors.
- When it starts to boil, turn the heat down to a simmer. Put a lid on the saucepan and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir every so often until the orzo is soft and has taken in most of the liquid. This is when the food turns into a creamy, cozy treat.
- Take the pot off the heat and mix in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is properly blended. This gives it a deep creaminess that makes each mouthful seem like a treat.
- Finally, serve your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo hot. Add fresh parsley on top for a splash of color and freshness. This dish is more than simply a dinner; it’s a celebration of tastes that will make everyone want more.
Helpful hints for success
- Get your ingredients ready ahead of time to make cooking easier.
- Browning the sausage is important because it makes the flavor more complex.
- Stir the orzo every so often while it cooks to keep it from sticking.
- You can change the seasoning to your liking; a pinch of red pepper flakes might give it a good kick.
- When you reheat leftovers, add a little broth to keep them creamy.
Recommended cooking tools
- Big pot: You need a strong pot to cook everything together. A Dutch oven is also an excellent choice.
- A wooden spoon is great for stirring and keeping your pot from becoming scratched.
- Measuring cups are useful for getting the right amount of orzo and broth.
- A knife and cutting board are necessary for chopping garlic and cutting the chicken sausage.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy chicken sausage for a little extra spice.
- Vegetarian Delight: For a filling vegetarian version, replace the chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
- Cheesy Goodness: Add other cheeses, such mozzarella or feta, to give it a new taste.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to make the food smell and taste better.
- Seasonal Veggies: Depending on what’s in season, add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
- Side Salad: A light arugula or mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette on top is a great way to cool off.
- Serve over warm, crusty bread to soak up the great flavors.
- A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, goes very well with the dish.
- Serve in shallow dishes with more parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top to make it look like a restaurant dish.
Common Questions
Is it okay to use a different kind of sausage?
Of course! The chicken sausage is the main ingredient, but you can simply replace it with turkey sausage or even a plant-based version. Each one will add a different taste to the dish.
Is this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo free of gluten?
If you use gluten-free orzo, people who are sensitive to gluten can eat this dish. Just look at the box to make sure it suits your dietary restrictions.
What can I do to make this dish creamier?
If you want a creamier texture, try adding a splash of heavy cream right before serving. It gives the dish a rich, smooth finish that makes it better.
Is it okay if I add more vegetables?
Definitely! You can also add other vegetables, including zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. They will not only make your dinner taste better, but they will also make it more nutritious.
What is the best way to keep leftovers?
Put any leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to three days. Add a little chicken broth to the orzo when you reheat it to keep it from drying out.
Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream right before serving to make it creamier.
You can use turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage instead of chicken sausage to change the flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
1 serving
Calories: 450kcal Carbs: 45g Protein: 25g Fat: 20g Saturated Fat: 6g Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g Cholesterol: 70mg Sodium: 800mg Fiber: 3g Sugar: 2g
Making Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is more than just making food; it’s about making a happy moment.
The smell of the sausage cooking and the garlic sizzling in your kitchen is just too good to refuse.
The tastes in each bite are pleasant and warm the spirit.
This recipe makes you feel good whether you’re eating it with family or alone at a quiet supper.
It’s quick, tasty, and good for you, so it’s great for any event.
I hope this dish becomes a favorite in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.