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A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and savory orzo pasta, cooked together for a quick and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken sausage into rounds.
  2. Trim and cut broccoli into florets if needed.
  3. Mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan cheese, and chop the parsley.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  5. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and browned.
  6. Add the minced garlic and cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until beginning to soften but still crisp and green.
  8. Add the orzo, pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  9. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally so the orzo cooks evenly.
  10. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  11. Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.

Notes

Prepping all ingredients before cooking makes the process smoother., Don’t rush browning the sausage to build flavor and texture., Stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking., Adjust seasoning to taste; red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick., For leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to maintain creaminess., Vegetarian option: substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms., Mix in different cheeses (mozzarella or feta) for variety., Add fresh herbs (basil, thyme, oregano) before serving for brightness., Include other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach as desired., Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; freeze up to 2 months (omit Parmesan when freezing)., Reheat using microwave, stovetop, or oven with added liquid to keep creamy.

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