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Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Cozy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo for Easy Dinners

Enjoy a quick and easy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 pound Chicken Sausage Feel free to substitute with turkey sausage, Italian sausage, or plant-based sausage.
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Can be replaced with small pasta like ditalini or rice.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Cook until bright green and tender-crisp.
  • 1 medium Red Onion (chopped) Optional to substitute with other onions or shallots.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Use fresh garlic for best flavor, powdered garlic can work in a pinch.
For the Sauce
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Substitute with dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be replaced with butter or other cooking oil.
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) Can be substituted with basil or other fresh herbs.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by slicing your chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside while keeping the flavorful drippings in the pan.
  2. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir them into the onion and garlic mixture, sautéing for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli turns a vibrant green and is just tender.
  4. Now it’s time to incorporate the orzo pasta. Stir it into the skillet with the broccoli and sauté for about 1 minute, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow everything to simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together over low heat until the cheese melts and coats the pasta smoothly.
  7. Finally, taste your creation and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Once seasoned, remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For freezing, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

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