Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Delight

$For this dish, I use 1 pound of chicken sausage, sliced. You can pick spicy or mild sausage, depending on your taste. This choice sets the stage for a rich flavor. The sausage adds protein and savory notes that blend well with the other ingredients. Next, we need 2 cups of broccoli florets. Broccoli brightens the dish and adds crunch. It also packs a nutritious punch, making this meal both tasty and healthy. We also use 3 cloves of minced garlic to give the dish depth. You can add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you'd like some heat, but it's optional. For the pasta, we’ll use 1 cup of orzo. This tiny pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. To enhance the dish, we add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess. This will make each bite delightful. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of sliced chicken sausage. You can choose spicy or mild sausage based on your taste. Cook the sausage for 5 to 7 minutes until it turns brown. This step gives the dish a nice flavor. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic smells good. Now it's time to add the orzo. Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook it for 1 minute. This toasts the orzo slightly, enhancing its taste. Then, pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid. After the orzo is cooked, add 2 cups of broccoli florets and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. The broccoli should become tender and bright green. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and makes the dish creamy. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the dish to thicken slightly. Serve hot, and top it with fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. When picking chicken sausage, consider the flavor. You can go spicy or mild. I prefer spicy for a kick. Look for sausages made with natural ingredients. Check the label for fillers or additives. A good sausage should have a rich flavor and a juicy texture. Cooking broccoli is simple, but it needs care. First, cut the broccoli into small florets. This helps them cook evenly. I like to steam or blanch them. Boil water, add broccoli, and cook for just 2-3 minutes. This keeps the bright green color and crunch. After cooking, quickly place them in ice water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them fresh. Herbs and spices make a big difference in taste. I often use dried oregano in this dish. It adds a nice, earthy flavor. Red pepper flakes give a bit of heat if you like spice. Fresh herbs like basil can brighten the dish. Always taste as you go. This helps you find the right balance of flavors. Pro Tips Use Quality Chicken Sausage: Opt for high-quality chicken sausage for the best flavor. Look for options with minimal additives and preservatives for a healthier meal. Cook Broccoli Perfectly: Add the broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and crisp, enhancing both the texture and color of your dish. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. You can also substitute with a dash of hot sauce for a different flavor profile. Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream just before serving, along with the Parmesan cheese. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the chicken sausage for other proteins. Try turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you want a vegetarian dish, use plant-based sausage or even chickpeas. Shrimp also works well. Just cook it until it's pink and tender. Each protein brings its own flavor, making this dish unique. Orzo is great, but you can use other pasta types too. Try small shells or penne for a fun twist. Cook them according to package directions. If you want a healthier choice, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Each type adds a different texture, keeping your meal exciting. Feel free to add more veggies to boost nutrition. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini all fit well. Just chop them up and toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also add beans for protein or nuts for crunch. The more colorful your dish, the more fun it will be! To keep your Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. Reheating is easy! You can use a microwave or a pan. If using a microwave, place the orzo in a bowl. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover it and heat for 1-2 minutes. If using a pan, add a bit of broth and stir over low heat until warm. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy your meal later! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Always check the packaging for any hidden gluten. You can also use rice as an alternative to orzo. It will work well with the chicken sausage and broccoli. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. It saves time and is just as nutritious. Add the frozen broccoli about five minutes before the end of cooking. This will ensure it cooks through while keeping its bright color. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. For a twist, serve it with a squeeze of lemon juice. This adds a nice brightness and enhances the dish's flavors. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo dish. We looked at key ingredients like chicken, sausage, and fresh veggies. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking. We also explored tips for picking the best sausage and cooking broccoli. You can switch up proteins or pasta for fun variations. Storing leftovers safely is key to keeping meals fresh. Remember, cooking can be simple and enjoyable!$

Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Delight

A delightful and hearty dish featuring chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo pasta, perfect for a quick meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1 minute to toast slightly, stirring continuously.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add the broccoli florets and dried oregano, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by using spicy or mild sausage.

Keyword broccoli, chicken sausage, orzo, pasta, quick meal