Name: Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe! Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups orzo pasta; 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 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)

If you’re looking for a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe! This comforting Italian-inspired dish combines tender orzo pasta, savory slices of chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli florets, all brought together in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It comes together so quickly, making it fantastic for busy weeknights, yet it’s special enough for a cozy dinner with friends. Each bite is hearty, homey, and absolutely satisfying!

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list keeps things simple, but every item plays a key role in bringing Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe! to life. It’s a celebration of straightforward, wholesome components coming together for serious comfort and flavor.

Orzo Pasta (2 cups): These rice-shaped pasta pieces cook up creamy and tender, soaking in every bit of flavor from the broth.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): The base for sautéing, adding richness and a hint of fruitiness.
Chicken Sausage (1 pound, sliced): The star protein, lending big flavors and a satisfying bite without the fuss.
Broccoli Florets (2 cups): Bringing a pop of green, a subtle crunch, and loads of nutritional goodness.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that aromatic, irresistible depth every Italian-inspired dish deserves.
Chicken Broth (4 cups): Adds flavor and cooks the orzo, infusing every bite with savory goodness.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A perfect blend of herbs to keep those Mediterranean flavors front and center.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and brightening up all the other flavors.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): The finishing touch for creaminess, nutty tang, and that perfect melt.
Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkled on top just before serving for freshness and color.

How to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe!

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add in your sliced chicken sausage. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and caramelized. This step builds tons of flavor for the whole dish, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Garlic for Fragrance

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute. The moment you smell that rich, garlicky aroma, you know magic is happening. Stir continuously to keep it from burning and to infuse the oil and sausage.

Step 3: Toss in the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets straight into the pot. Sauté everything together for about 2 to 3 minutes. The broccoli will begin to soften but should stay a little crisp, so every bite tastes fresh and lively.

Step 4: Combine Orzo, Broth, and Seasonings

Next, pour in the orzo, followed by the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and bring everything to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it all cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally—you want the orzo perfectly tender with just enough liquid left to be creamy.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

Once the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, take the pot off the heat. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until it melts into the dish, turning the sauce rich and velvety.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle big, cozy scoops into bowls and shower each serving with freshly chopped parsley for that final, vivid touch.

How to Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe!

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! For Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe!, a simple sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley brings a pop of bright green color and another touch of flavor. If you want a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes is the perfect accent.

Side Dishes

This dish is plenty hearty on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread—ideal for scooping up every last bit of sauce. A bowl of roasted vegetables or a tangy tomato salad brings even more variety and fresh balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, try spooning your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe! into individual ramekins and broiling a little extra Parmesan right on top. Or serve it family-style in a big, colorful platter—let everyone dig in for a cozy, communal feel. It’s also delightful as a lunchbox leftover, warm or at room temperature.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe! to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it a perfect candidate for weekday lunch prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Freezing

If you plan to freeze, let the dish come to room temperature first. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. While the orzo may soften slightly upon thawing, it still tastes fantastic. Just remember to leave out the fresh parsley garnish until after reheating!

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of chicken broth or water to revive its saucy consistency. Individual portions also reheat beautifully in the microwave—just a couple minutes does the trick. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving for that just-cooked freshness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Swap in turkey sausage, spicy Italian, or even a plant-based sausage if you like. Each variety brings its own unique twist to Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe!—experiment to find your favorite.

How can I make this dish creamier?

Simply stir in about 1/4 cup of heavy cream just before serving. This will make the sauce extra rich and luscious, elevating your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe! to pure comfort food.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is deliciously flexible. Try tossing in diced bell peppers, spinach, or peas in step 3 along with the broccoli for extra color and nutrition.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?

You can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini, pastina, or even small shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a little faster or slower than orzo in Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe!

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes—simply use gluten-free orzo or a small gluten-free pasta shape. Make sure your sausage is also gluten-free, and you’ll have a perfect GF version of Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe!.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious Recipe!, you’ll want to keep it in your regular dinner lineup. It’s cozy, full of flavor, comes together with minimal fuss, and makes both weeknight cooking and entertaining a breeze. Give it a try and get ready for happy plates all around!