The aroma of Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo wafts through the kitchen, enticing your senses with its savory goodness. Imagine tender chicken sausage nestled among vibrant broccoli florets and creamy orzo pasta, all mingling in a delightful embrace of flavors that dance on your taste buds. crockpot chicken recipe quick chicken casserole recipe.
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience that reminds you of family dinners on chilly evenings. Picture yourself gathered around the table, laughter bubbling as you serve up bowls of this comforting dish. Let’s dive into the deliciousness and savor every moment together.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free. Its rich flavors and creamy texture will have everyone asking for seconds. The colorful presentation is sure to impress at any gathering. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with your favorite veggies or proteins! [/info_box]
Sharing this recipe at family gatherings led to more compliments than I could count, making it a staple in my home.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Chicken Sausage: Choose your favorite flavor; spicy adds a nice kick while mild keeps it family-friendly.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh is best for color and crunch; frozen works too if you’re in a hurry.
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic offers a pungent aroma that elevates the dish significantly.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better flavor control without overwhelming saltiness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds creaminess; avoid pre-grated versions for the best melt.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors with its fruity notes.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your broccoli into bite-sized pieces and slicing the chicken sausage into rounds. Mince the garlic cloves until they’re fragrant and ready to sizzle.
Cook the Chicken Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced chicken sausage. Sauté them until golden brown, releasing their savory juices into the pan.
Add Garlic and Broccoli: Toss in minced garlic and broccoli florets. Stir frequently until the broccoli turns bright green and tender—about 3-4 minutes—while allowing those garlicky aromas to fill your kitchen.
Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in rinsed orzo pasta along with chicken broth. Stir well to combine everything, bringing it to a gentle simmer while covering with a lid.
Cook Until Tender: Allow everything to simmer on low heat for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo absorbs most of the broth. Stir occasionally so nothing clumps together while cooking evenly.
Finish with Cheese!: Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper according to taste before serving!
Now that you’ve created this masterpiece, get ready for oohs and ahhs from everyone at dinner! Enjoy your Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo hot, garnished with a sprinkle more Parmesan if you’re feeling extra cheesy today! comforting chicken soup. hearty chicken soup alternative.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Chicken sausage provides a rich flavor, while broccoli adds a nutritious crunch. Orzo is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Remember to season each component for maximum taste impact. This dish is both comforting and versatile, appealing to everyone at the table. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken sausage first until golden brown, then cook the orzo in the flavorful broth while steaming the broccoli. This sequence ensures everything finishes at the same time and maximizes flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap broccoli with spinach or kale for a different green. Add garlic or red pepper flakes to spice things up, or toss in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth and microwave until warmed through. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfectly cooked sausage, let it rest before slicing; this keeps juices intact. Cook orzo al dente to avoid mushiness, and always taste as you go for seasoning adjustments. Fresh herbs can elevate flavors and freshness. [/info_box]
Sharing this dish at a potluck led to rave reviews; it turned into my go-to comfort meal for gatherings and family nights!
FAQ
Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute regular pasta but adjust cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace chicken sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead.
What sides pair well with Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this dish beautifully!
Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo is a delightful one-pot dish that combines savory chicken sausage, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta in a comforting medley of flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you savor every bite of this hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken sausage (sliced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping broccoli into bite-sized pieces and slicing the chicken sausage.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the sliced chicken sausage until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and broccoli florets; stir until broccoli is bright green and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in rinsed orzo pasta and chicken broth; stir well and bring to a gentle simmer, covering with a lid.
- Simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo absorbs most of the broth.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy; season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
