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Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

This one-pot Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a simple and satisfying weeknight meal perfect for when you're short on time and energy. It brings together savory sausage, tender broccoli, and Parmesan-infused orzo in one harmonious dish. As the orzo cooks, it releases starches, creating a naturally creamy sauce without the need for heavy cream.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until it's nicely browned on both sides, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don't rush this step; the browning adds a ton of flavor.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it constantly for about a minute until you can smell that wonderful fragrant aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, as it can turn bitter quickly.
  3. Toss in the broccoli florets. Stir them around with the sausage and garlic for 2-3 minutes. You want them to turn a brighter green and just begin to get tender.
  4. Pour in the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine and make sure the orzo isn't clumping together. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. It's a good idea to stir it once or twice during cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. The dish is ready when the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it's completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and delicious. This is what makes it feel like one of those comforting Beef Casserole Recipes.
  7. Serve it up hot, with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a bit of freshness and color.

Notes

For best results, get a good sear on the chicken sausage to build deep flavor. Stir the orzo as it simmers to prevent sticking. You can substitute other sausages, vegetables (like spinach or asparagus), and cheeses (like Pecorino or mozzarella). For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free orzo, sausage, and broth.