Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, yet healthy, weeknight dinner that comes together quickly, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe. This dish balances savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta in a way that feels cozy but never heavy. When I first tried this recipe, I couldn’t believe how a few simple ingredients created such a satisfying meal—you’re going to love it as much as my family does!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Choosing quality chicken sausage is key, plus fresh broccoli that holds its bite well after cooking. I always recommend grabbing orzo pasta that’s fresh and not too old, as it cooks perfectly tender every time.

• Orzo pasta: Tiny, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors wonderfully.
• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor when browning the sausage.
• Chicken sausage: Sliced; I love Italian-flavored ones but spicy varieties add a nice kick.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh over frozen, if you can—adds a nice crunch and color.
• Garlic: Minced; brings that irresistible savory depth.
• Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the orzo with tons of flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A simple blend of dried herbs that ties everything together.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning is everything.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it melts in for a creamy finish.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped; brightens and freshens up the dish as a garnish.

Variations

I like to keep this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe pretty classic, but it’s so versatile that you can easily tweak it to fit your mood or dietary needs. It’s all about making the dish your own and using whatever you have on hand.

• Swap the sausage: I’ve tried turkey or plant-based sausage to accommodate different tastes and everyone loved it.
• Add creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone if you’re craving extra richness.
• Vegetable upgrades: I sometimes toss in sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even kale to boost flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: For a little heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.

How to Make Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Brown the sausage for big flavor

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned. This step is where a lot of flavor builds, so don’t rush it! You’ll notice the kitchen start to smell incredible.

Step 2: Bring on the garlic and broccoli

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for just 1 minute until fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Then, stir in the broccoli florets and let them soften for 2–3 minutes. They should stay bright green and have a little bite that’s satisfying in every forkful.

Step 3: Simmer the orzo and soak up flavor

Pour in the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo will cook right in the broth, absorbing all those delicious flavors and softening to a tender perfection.

Step 4: Finish with cheese and fresh herbs

Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy, flavorful sauce. Serve hot and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that lovely pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with fresh parsley for color and brightness, plus an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if we’re feeling indulgent. Sometimes, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice lifts the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Since this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe is quite filling, I often serve it with a crisp green salad or some roasted cherry tomatoes on the side. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this orzo in shallow bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs and a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. It’s simple but elegant and always impresses guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When my family has leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3–4 days, although I recommend reheating gently to avoid the broccoli getting mushy.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but I find the broccoli texture slightly suffers. If you must freeze, consider leaving out the cheese and adding it fresh when reheating for better results.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through. Avoid overcooking to keep the flavors fresh and broccoli crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe has become my go-to for busy nights when I want something hearty but fuss-free. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug—simple, flavorful, and reliable. I’m excited for you to try it out and hopefully it becomes a kitchen staple for you, just like it did for me. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!

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