Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
A cozy and quick dinner that combines savory chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and orzo pasta for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly.
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets Fresh and vibrant. Frozen broccoli can be used; adjust cooking time.
- 1 pound Chicken Sausage Sweet or spicy Italian varieties are great; turkey sausage is a leaner alternative.
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing.
- 2 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian alternative.
- Salt and Pepper To taste.
- Parmesan Cheese For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chicken sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and let it soak up the flavors for about a minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for about 10 minutes.
- Once the orzo is tender, add the broccoli florets and cook uncovered for another 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, then serve warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
Tips: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving, and for a vegetarian version, swap chicken sausage for chickpeas or tempeh. Add lemon juice for a zing.