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Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. It combines savory sausage and tender pasta into a one-pot meal that takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken sausage sliced into rounds
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced chicken sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are nicely browned.
    1 tbsp olive oil, 1 lb chicken sausage
  2. Toss the minced garlic into the pot with the sausage. Sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
    3 cloves garlic
  3. Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Stir them in with the sausage and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and turn a vibrant green.
    2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  4. Pour in the dry orzo pasta followed by the chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom.
    2 cups orzo pasta, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, Salt and pepper
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, creating a creamy consistency.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is velvety.
    1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  7. Dish the orzo into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
    2 tbsp fresh parsley

Notes

Brown the sausage thoroughly to create a deep flavor base, and remember to stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Use high-quality chicken broth as it serves as the primary seasoning for the pasta.