Imagine sitting down to a warm bowl of Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo after a long day, where every bite bursts with flavors! This dish is a delightful harmony of savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and comforting orzo pasta, all simmered in a rich, herby broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, it strikes a lovely balance between comfort and nutrition, making it an ideal meal that doesn’t take too much time to prepare but fills your heart and stomach with love.
Serving Versatility
One of my favorite things about Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a main dish or use it as a filling for wraps or stuffed peppers. Craving something lighter? Serve it over a bed of greens or mix it with your favorite low-carb veggies. The options are endless, making it a great choice for families with different tastes.
Full Recipe Section
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)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving (optional).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will adore this recipe for its quick preparation. It uses budget-friendly ingredients, tastes like a big warm hug, and is packed with nutritional value. Plus, it’s super customizable! You can make it your own by adding different veggies or spices.
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)
This dish has a beautiful blend of Italian-American roots, reflecting the simplicity and comfort that home-cooked meals bring. The technique of simmering the orzo gently allows all the flavors to meld together, creating something truly special.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a fresh salad twist.
- Mix it into soft tortillas for easy wraps.
- Pair it with steamed rice to soak up all the delicious broth.
- Enjoy it solo, straight from the pot, for a cozy meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep an eye on the heat to prevent the broth from boiling over. A gentle simmer is all you need!
- Chop your broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Taste and season as you go to make it just right for you.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat. If you find the orzo has soaked up too much broth, add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive it!
Closing Paragraph
I truly hope you give this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo recipe a try! I invite you to make it your own by adding your favorite veggies or spices. Don’t forget to share your thoughts, rate the recipe, and comment below! Let’s keep the conversation going about all things delicious.
🎀 Final Thoughts
From my kitchen to yours, I hope this dish brings you a bit of warmth and joy, just like my grandmother’s stories did for me. Happy cooking, friends!
“Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes.”
“If you loved this recipe, don’t miss my Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta with Ground Beef for another comforting favorite.”
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
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
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving (optional).