Description

A flavorful and hearty Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo recipe that combines tender orzo pasta with savory chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, delivering a balanced mix of protein and vegetables with vibrant Italian seasoning and a creamy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Vegetables

1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Broth

2 cups orzo pasta
4 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Extras

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the sausage: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot with the sausage and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broccoli to soften slightly while retaining a pleasant crunch.
Combine orzo and liquids: Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the chicken broth.
Finish with cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the dish.
Serve: Dish the orzo onto plates or bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use mild or spicy chicken sausage depending on preference for heat.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
To save time, use pre-minced garlic and pre-chopped broccoli florets.
If the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly, add a splash more broth or water during cooking.
Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauteing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 390 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: chicken sausage orzo, broccoli pasta recipe, easy one-pot dinner, Italian sausage dinner, healthy pasta recipe