Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is a hearty and flavorful dish that's easy to prepare. With savory chicken sausage, nutritious broccoli, and tender orzo pasta, it makes for a delicious one-pot meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 strainer
Ingredients
- 8 oz orzo pasta
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with milk or a plant-based alternative.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For garnishing, additional Parmesan can be used as desired.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- optional, to taste red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, until browned.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 10 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Cover and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is bright green.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or a plant-based alternative.
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or basil during the cooking process.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.