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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds - 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When making Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo, the ingredients are simple yet full of flavor. You start with orzo pasta, which is small and cooks quickly. Olive oil adds richness and helps to sauté the sausage. Speaking of sausage, I like using chicken sausage for a lighter touch, but feel free to use your favorite type. Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, and it’s packed with nutrients. For flavor, you’ll need garlic, which brings warmth and aroma. Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs that enhances the dish. Low-sodium chicken broth keeps it flavorful without being too salty. Parmesan cheese melts in to create a creamy texture, making every bite delicious. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to taste! Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds color. This mix of ingredients comes together to create a balanced and tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by boiling a medium pot of salted water. 2. Once the water is bubbling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. 3. Cook the orzo until it is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. 4. Drain the orzo in a colander and set it aside. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add 2 sliced chicken sausages to the skillet. 3. Sauté the sausage slices for about 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown. 1. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the skillet. 2. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells nice. 3. Toss in 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. 4. Cook the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until it is tender-crisp. 5. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning on top. 6. Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. 1. Stir in the cooked orzo and heat everything for a few minutes. 2. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. 3. Mix until the cheese melts and blends into the dish. 4. Taste, then add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. 5. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. - Ensuring the orzo is perfectly al dente: Start with a large pot of salted water. When it boils, add the orzo. Check the package for cooking time and taste it a minute early. You want it firm yet tender, not mushy. - Preventing the garlic from burning: Add garlic to the skillet after the sausage is golden. Stir it for just a minute until it smells great. Keep the heat on medium to avoid burning. - Cooking broccoli for the right texture: Add fresh broccoli florets to the skillet after the garlic. Stir them for 3 to 4 minutes. Look for a bright green color and a tender-crisp feel. This keeps the broccoli fresh and flavorful. - Presentation tips for an appealing dish: Serve the orzo in warm bowls. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. Add extra cheese shavings for a nice touch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley also brightens up the dish. - Recommended side dishes or salads: Pair this dish with a simple green salad. A side of crusty bread is great for soaking up flavor, too. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for added color and taste. - Overview of calories and nutrients per serving: This dish has about 400 calories per serving. It offers protein from the chicken sausage and fiber from the broccoli. The orzo adds carbohydrates for energy. - Health benefits of ingredients used: Chicken sausage is lean and packed with protein. Broccoli is full of vitamins C and K. Parmesan cheese adds calcium. Olive oil provides healthy fats. Together, they make a balanced meal! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Make sure to cook the orzo until al dente to maintain its texture. It will continue to absorb liquid from the sauce, so avoid overcooking it initially. Flavor Boost: Enhance the dish by using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought for a richer flavor. You can also add a splash of white wine for a delicious depth. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, depending on your preference or what's in season. Garnishing Tips: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish, while extra cheese and herbs provide a beautiful finish. {{image_4}} You can switch up the sausage in this dish. Turkey sausage works well if you want a leaner option. It's just as tasty! You can also try plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist. For vegetables, broccoli is great, but you can use other greens too. Spinach wilts down nicely, adding a fresh taste. Bell peppers bring a sweet crunch and color to your dish. Feel free to mix and match your favorites! Adding spices can change the whole flavor profile. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. For a herby touch, try adding fresh basil or oregano. Both pair well with the chicken sausage and orzo. If you want a richer dish, a splash of cream works wonders. It makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Just stir it in just before serving for added luxury. To keep your Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo fresh, use an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Store it in the fridge right after it cools. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label the container with the date. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat your leftovers either in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the orzo from drying out. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth in a skillet. Heat it over low, stirring often. This method keeps it creamy and moist. Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. It cooks quickly and adds a nice texture. You can use it in soups, salads, or main dishes like this one. Orzo absorbs flavors well, making it a great base for many meals. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking. Frozen broccoli cooks faster than fresh, so add it to the skillet for a shorter time. This keeps it bright and crisp. To make this dish vegetarian, swap out chicken sausage for plant-based sausage. You can also use beans or lentils for protein. Add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for flavor and texture. Yes, you can meal prep this recipe. Cook everything and let it cool. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal. This blog post shared a simple and tasty orzo pasta dish with chicken sausage and broccoli. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, tips, and storage advice. You can tweak the recipe by using different sausages or veggies. It’s great for meal prep and freezes well too. Enjoy crafting this delicious meal that fits your needs! Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Dive in and let your kitchen creativity shine!

Sizzling Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo

A delicious and hearty dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken sausage, and fresh broccoli, all tossed together in a savory broth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pieces chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and set it aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they develop a golden brown color and are cooked through.
  • Next, add the finely minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  • Toss the fresh broccoli florets into the skillet and cook them for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they achieve a vibrant green color and are tender-crisp.
  • Sprinkle the Italian seasoning blend evenly over the mixture, then pour in the chicken broth. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld for a couple of minutes.
  • Gently stir in the cooked orzo pasta, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined and heated through for a few minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the dish, creating a creamy texture. Adjust the flavor with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
  • Serve the dish immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Serve in warm bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and extra cheese shavings for an appealing finish.
Keyword broccoli, chicken sausage, orzo, pasta