Description

This flavorful chicken sausage and broccoli orzo recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender orzo pasta, savory pre-cooked chicken sausage, and fresh broccoli florets, all simmered together in low-sodium chicken broth and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish combines comforting textures and vibrant flavors in just minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

12 oz pre-cooked chicken sausage, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Pasta & Grains

1 cup orzo pasta

Vegetables

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Liquids

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Olive oil, 1-2 tablespoons

Cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste

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Instructions

Prep Ingredients: Chop the pre-cooked chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the broccoli and cut it into small florets. Measure out the orzo pasta.
Cook Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
Sauté Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped chicken sausage and sauté for 3-4 minutes until browned and heated through.
Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the sausage. Continue to sauté for 3-5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to help steam and soften the broccoli.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
Season and Finish: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for some heat. Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted, and serve the dish hot.

Notes

Use pre-cooked chicken sausage to reduce cooking time and ensure even cooking.
If fresh broccoli is unavailable, frozen broccoli florets can be used; just adjust sauté time accordingly.
For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese when stirring in the Parmesan.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit altogether for a milder dish.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.