Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Navigating weeknight dinners can often be a challenge, but let me tell you about a dish that’s both easy and incredibly satisfying. Chicken sausage and broccoli orzo is a delightful one-pan meal that bursts with flavor and nutrition, making it an instant favorite in many households. This recipe is not just another pasta dish; it marries the bold taste of chicken sausage with fresh broccoli and tender orzo pasta, creating a comforting and quick meal that fits perfectly into your busy schedule.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There’s something truly magical about one-pot meals, especially when they deliver flavor without the fuss. This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo recipe stands out because it’s not only quick to prepare (under 30 minutes!), but it also features ingredients that are often already in your pantry. It’s budget-friendly too, providing a hearty meal that serves a family of four without breaking the bank.

This dish is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family brunch—whenever you need something delicious yet uncomplicated!

"This is a fantastic recipe! It’s so quick to whip up, and my kids love it. The flavors are vibrant, and I appreciate that it’s healthy too!”

How to Prepare This Recipe

Creating Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is as simple as it is rewarding. It involves sautéing, simmering, and combining key ingredients in a single skillet, and the taste is impressive. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Cook the chicken sausage to get a nice browning on it.
2. Sauté onions and garlic to build a flavor base.
3. Introduce the broccoli for color and nutrition.
4. Add orzo and chicken broth, simmer until the orzo is perfectly cooked.
5. Return the sausage to the pan and sprinkle Parmesan cheese to finish.

In just a few steps, you have a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for serving straight from the skillet.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to substitute the chicken sausage with turkey or even a meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the sliced chicken sausage until fully cooked. Set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook until they’re slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is al dente.
6. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and blend everything together.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

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Best Way to Serve

This dish shines when served warm, straight from the skillet. To elevate the experience, consider pairing it with:

• A simple side salad of mixed greens and a vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread for some added crunch.
• A light dessert, such as sorbet, to cleanse the palate after a hearty meal.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? You’re in luck! This dish stores beautifully. Keep any uneaten Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through. If you wish to freeze it, ensure that it’s cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Remember to reheat leftovers thoroughly before serving, to maintain food safety.

Helpful Hints

• To save time on busy evenings, you can prep the vegetables in advance—chop the onions and broccoli ahead of time.
• If your family enjoys a little spice, consider adding chili flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Stir in some extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.

Creative Twists

While the classic version of this recipe is absolutely perfect, here are some variations to keep things exciting:

• Try using whole wheat orzo for a healthier twist.
• Substitute the broccoli with spinach or kale for a different green.
• Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean flair.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the prep time for this dish?

You can usually have this dish prepped and cooking in about 10 minutes!

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the orzo with any small pasta shape you have on hand; just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes, Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

What can I use instead of chicken sausage?

You could use turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for a lighter option or to cater to vegetarian diets.

Now you’re ready to cook up a storm with this delicious Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo! Enjoy the process and the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen.

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Meat

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Description

A quick one-pan meal featuring chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and tender orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the sliced chicken sausage until fully cooked. Set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook until they’re slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is al dente.
6. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and blend everything together.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Notes

This dish stores beautifully and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: chicken sausage, broccoli, orzo, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner