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

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

The kitchen is all abuzz with the gorgeous aroma of sautéed garlic mingling with spicy, savory chicken sausage. Vibrant green broccoli florets dot the creamy orzo, making it a feast for the eyes and the palate. As you stir, the pasta absorbs the rich chicken broth, creating a silky sauce that wraps around each ingredient like a warm hug. This Delicious Recipe! Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is not just a meal; it’s a cozy gathering that invites you to sit down and savor each bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Delicious Recipe! Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

One sunny afternoon, the memories of family dinners came rushing back. I can still hear the chatter as we gathered around the table, plates piled high with my mother’s orzo dishes. Those moments were filled with joy, laughter, and the simple pleasure that comes from sharing food made with love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend celebration, this dish is perfect for bringing everyone together. Trust me, you’ll want to whip this up and share its goodness with the ones you love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delightful dish ready in about half an hour.
Irresistible Flavor: Juicy chicken sausage combined with tender broccoli and creamy orzo creates a symphony of flavors and textures.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of green broccoli and golden orzo create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or casual gatherings with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by swapping in gluten-free orzo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. If you can’t find orzo, try ditalini or small elbow macaroni.
1 tablespoon olive oil: A staple that not only adds flavor but helps brown the sausage. For a twist, you can easily substitute it with avocado oil.
1 pound chicken sausage, sliced: I love the ease and flavor that chicken sausage provides. Feel free to swap it with turkey sausage for a lighter version.
2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a pop of color and a nice crunch. Frozen broccoli can work too, but reduce the cooking time.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the flavor powerhouse in this dish. Use fresh whenever possible, but pre-minced can save you some time.
4 cups chicken broth: Homemade broth is fantastic, but good-quality store-bought works well. Vegetarian broth can replace it for a meat-free option.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs enhances the dish’s complexity. Feel free to toss in your favorites like oregano or thyme.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate the overall flavor. Adjust to your preference!
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The creamy richness of Parmesan ties everything together wonderfully, but nutritional yeast makes a great dairy-free alternative.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): This adds a burst of freshness and a lovely finishing touch. If you’re out of fresh herbs, use a sprinkle of dried instead.

How to Make Delicious Recipe! Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Cook the Orzo: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling fiercely, toss in the orzo and stir occasionally. Cook according to package directions—usually around 8-10 minutes—until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside, drizzling just a touch of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the tablespoon of olive oil. As the oil shimmers, it’s time to add your sliced chicken sausage. Sauté until the sausage is nicely browned and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step not only enhances the flavor but will create those delicious little brown bits at the bottom of the pan.

Add the Broccoli and Garlic: With the sausage browned, stir in the broccoli florets and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the broccoli turns vibrant green and becomes tender-crisp. You’ll smell that lovely garlic aroma wafting through the kitchen—trust me; it’s irresistible!

Combine with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. You want the flavors to meld beautifully while the broccoli softens a touch more.

Toss in the Orzo: Add the cooked orzo back into the skillet, mixing well to coat the pasta in that savory broth. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. The broth will slightly thicken, wrapping around the orzo and sausage for fantastic flavor and texture.

Finish with Cheese and Parsley: Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. You’ll see the cheese melt into the dish, creating a rich creaminess. Top with freshly chopped parsley for that pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for about two hours after cooking. If you plan to keep them longer, transfer the orzo into an airtight container and refrigerate, where it should stay good for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to refresh the texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure not to overcook the orzo; it should be al dente to maintain its texture.
If you’ve got time, let your chicken sausage come to room temperature before cooking; this helps it brown nicely.
Adjust seasoning towards the end! Taste as you go to get the balance just right.
Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for an extra brightness that really elevates the dish.
For meal prep, you can cook everything except the cheese and store it in separate containers, adding the parmesan fresh when you heat it up.

The delightful experience of making Delicious Recipe! Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo goes beyond just deliciousness. It’s all about the memories made in the kitchen, the fun of cooking with friends or family, and enjoying time around the table filled with laughter. Experiment with flavors or variations—you might discover a new family favorite! I invite you to give this a try and savor each and every comforting bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use another type of sausage?

Absolutely! While chicken sausage is flavorful and relatively lean, you can swap it for turkey, pork, or even plant-based sausage. Each will bring its own unique taste to the dish; just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is fully cooked.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, spinach, or carrots—whatever you have on hand. Just keep in mind that different veggies will have varying cooking times, so adjust accordingly.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular orzo with gluten-free orzo. There are several brands available that offer a fantastic texture, allowing you to enjoy this dish without gluten.

Is this a good meal prep option?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prepping! Store individual portions in airtight containers in the fridge for easy reheating during the week. Just note that you’ll want to add a splash of broth when reheating to prevent it from drying out.