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Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

A quick, comforting, and nutritionally balanced meal that blends juicy chicken sausage with tender broccoli and perfectly cooked orzo in a savory broth.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 325

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken sausage Provides protein; turkey sausage works as a leaner option.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Adds color and vitamins; use frozen if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta A small pasta that cooks well; substitute with rice if needed.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Infuses great flavor; garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
  • 1 large onion, chopped Complements the flavors; shallots can offer a milder taste.
  • 4 cups chicken broth Forms the base; vegetable broth is a great vegetarian alternative.
  • 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese Adds richness; nutritional yeast works for a vegan dish.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Elevates flavors; add herbs for extra depth.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, cook the chicken sausage slices until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
  3. Add the broccoli florets and cook until slightly tender.
  4. Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through.
  6. Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the skillet and mix well.
  7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish and season with salt and pepper.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to two months, leaving out Parmesan cheese for best texture.