Description
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a weeknight hero that combines tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli for a delicious, satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- Fully cooked chicken sausage (Italian-style, applewood smoked, or garlic and herb)
- Orzo pasta
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Yellow onion
- Fresh garlic
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Slice your chicken sausage into coins, chop your onion, mince your garlic, and cut your broccoli into small florets.
- Brown the Chicken Sausage: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Broccoli: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and broccoli florets, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Toast the Orzo: Add dry orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.
- Add Liquids and Flavor: Pour in chicken broth and stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Cook the Orzo: Return browned chicken sausage to the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is al dente and liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Don't skip on browning the sausage for flavor. Stir frequently to prevent orzo from sticking, and consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness.