Cozy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo: A Family-Friendly Dinner That’s Deliciously Easy!
These cozy bowls of Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo come packed with wholesome ingredients and mouthwatering flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting meal that the whole family will adore. Say goodbye to stressful weeknight dinners—this one-pot wonder is your new trusty recipe!
Cozy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli, ready in just 30 minutes.
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)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Remove from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For an even creamier finish, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
What Makes This Dish a Must-Try?
If you’re looking for a dish that combines delicious, nutritious, and quick, this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is the answer. The marriage of tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli creates not just a meal, but a delightful experience. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some greens for the little ones, making dinner enjoyable for everyone!
Crafting Your Comfort Bowl
To whip up your Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen pantry. The best part? You can have this delicious meal on the table in no time.
Shopping List:
- 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)
Cooking Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s browned and delicious.
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Now, stir in the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let everything cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Take it off the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines beautifully. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
For an even creamier finish, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream right before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving delivers a delightful balance of flavors and nutrients to fuel your family’s day!
Enjoying Your Comfort Creation
Serve this tasty orzo dish warm in delightful bowls. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a well-rounded meal. It’s perfect for enjoying during a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have leftovers (which are rare with this crowd-pleaser!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for about 3 to 4 days. When it’s time to eat again, just reheat it on the stove with a splash of broth or water to bring it back to life.
Helpful Tips for Cooking This Dish
- Feel free to swap chicken sausage for your choice of sausage! Turkey or even a vegetarian variety can also work wonderfully.
- To add more veggies, toss in some bell peppers or spinach along with the broccoli.
- For a flavor boost, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Fun Variations
- Cheesy Broccoli Delight: Add more cheese on top before serving for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Veggie-Packed: Make it vegetarian by omitting sausage and using a variety of colorful veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo works best for this recipe, you can use any small pasta shape you like.Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo—it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
