Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal? Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is the answer! This one-pot wonder brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table.
Packed with wholesome ingredients like juicy chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, this recipe is not only satisfying but also incredibly simple to make, making it a perfect fit for busy weeknights or anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, fuss-free dinner. Its balanced flavors and textures make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
What is Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo?
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a delightful one-pot pasta dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken sausage with the freshness of broccoli and the comforting texture of orzo pasta. It’s essentially a complete meal in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, it often incorporates elements like garlic, olive oil, and herbs to create a bright and aromatic experience.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices. It’s a hearty and healthy dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. If you’re seeking a simple yet satisfying meal that will be a hit with the whole family, give this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo a try!
Key Ingredients for Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo:
- 1 pound Chicken Sausage: Sweet or hot Italian chicken sausage, removed from casings.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil for sautéing.
- 1 medium Onion: Chopped.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced.
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: Low sodium is preferable.
- 1 head Broccoli: Cut into florets.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, lemon wedges for serving.
How to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo:
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is incredibly easy to make! It’s a one-pot dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
The sausage is cooked until browned, then the vegetables and orzo are added and simmered in chicken broth until the orzo is tender. The creamy sauce is created by the starch released from the pasta as it cooks, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Sausage: Remove the chicken sausage from its casings, if needed. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta to the pot, ensuring it is coated with the oil and onion mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil and stir occasionally.
Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is almost cooked through and has absorbed most of the broth. Stir every few minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add Broccoli and Sausage: Add the broccoli florets and the cooked chicken sausage back into the pot with the orzo.
Cook Broccoli: Cover the pot again and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the orzo is cooked through. The liquid should be mostly absorbed, leaving a slightly creamy sauce.
Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season to Taste: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately! Optional additions include a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo:
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s a complete meal made in one pot, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. It’s also a budget-friendly option, as you can easily find all the ingredients at your local grocery store and the sausage stretches out the protein.
Finally, the dish is simply bursting with flavor – the combination of savory sausage, tender broccoli, creamy orzo, and the salty Parmesan is irresistible. Compared to ordering takeout, this is a much healthier and cheaper option. For another easy and adaptable orzo recipe, try a lemon herb orzo! Give this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo a try and turn your weeknight dinners into something special!
What to Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli OrzoWith:
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few complementary dishes to elevate your dining experience:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will add freshness and balance out the richness of the orzo.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts adds extra nutrients and flavor.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread perfect for dipping into the leftover creamy sauce.
Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo:
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep a close eye on the orzo while it simmers. Overcooked orzo will become mushy. Aim for al dente.
- Adjust the Broth: The amount of broth needed may vary depending on your pot and stovetop. Start with the recommended amount and add more if the orzo is drying out before it’s cooked through.
- Vary the Vegetables: Feel free to substitute broccoli with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian chicken sausage.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, or Pecorino Romano.
5 Facts about Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo:
- It’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish known for its fresh and vibrant flavors.
- It’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet.
- Orzo pasta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads.
- Chicken sausage is a leaner alternative to pork sausage.
- This recipe is easily customizable to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the orzo in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out. Do not overheat, as the pasta will become mushy.
- Freezing: While it is possible to freeze the dish, the texture of the orzo may change. For best results, eat fresh or store it in the refrigerator.
*Do not heat the dish multiple times.
Final Thoughts:
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a flavorful and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients and one-pot convenience, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dinner!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer, such as turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even vegetarian sausage.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Certainly! This recipe is very versatile. Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: While orzo works best in this recipe, you can try using other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and serve.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the orzo may change upon thawing. It is best to store in the refrigerator.