Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo

This chicken sausage broccoli orzo is my favorite quick meal for nights when I want something hearty but easy enough to pull off after work A one pan dinner that comes together in no time yet feels totally comforting and fresh every bite makes you feel like you did something special

I remember throwing this together on a weeknight when I had zero energy and was honestly tempted to order takeout By the end dinner was done and my whole family wanted seconds It became a regular rotation after that moment

Ingredients

• Olive oil: gives everything a silky finish and helps develop flavor Try to use a fruity extra virgin if you can
• Chicken sausage: look for one with spinach and asiago for lots of flavor and better texture I use Smart Chicken for quality
• Broccoli: brings green freshness and extra nutrition Fresh florets work best and look for bright green crowns
• Kosher salt: enhances every flavor use good quality if possible
• Ground black pepper: adds warmth and balances richness Freshly ground gives the most bite
• Minced garlic: gives the base savory depth and should smell fragrant when fresh
• Orzo pasta: these tiny pasta grains soak up broth and get creamy Choose a good brand so they hold their shape
• Chicken bone broth: infuses the orzo and veggies with so much richness Organic broth has deep savory notes
• Shredded parmesan cheese: makes the dish creamy and nutty Shred your own from a good wedge if you want an extra-melty finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Brown the Sausage:

Slice your sausage into thick coins and heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat Sauté the slices for two to three minutes cut side down to get golden edges then flip them and continue until nicely browned on both sides This gets all the tasty browned bits started

Add and Cook the Broccoli:

Toss in your chopped broccoli and season right away with salt and pepper Cook for five minutes stirring occasionally so the broccoli gets vibrant green and just starts to get some golden spots It should be slightly tender but definitely not mushy

Bloom the Garlic and Toast the Orzo:

Scrape in the minced garlic and pour in the orzo Stir it all through the pan and cook for about a minute until the garlic smells amazing and the orzo gets just toasted but not browned Toasting the orzo brings out a nutty flavor and keeps it from getting too mushy later

Add Broth and Simmer:

Pour in the chicken bone broth and give everything a good stir Bring it all to a boil then lower the heat and cover your skillet Let it simmer for ten to fifteen minutes Stir now and then till the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed This step is where everything melds together into comfort food

Finish with Parmesan:

Take off the lid and stir in your shredded parmesan Let it melt through the orzo and sausage mix until creamy and silky You can toss on more parmesan when serving for extra cheesiness Serve the dish hot

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My favorite part of this recipe is the snap of bright green broccoli with the creamy parmesan Taste memories always come back to sharing this at our noisy family table passing the pan right to the middle for everyone to dig in together

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days The orzo will soak up more broth so add a splash of water when reheating for the best texture I like to pack portions in glass containers for easy grab and go lunches

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken sausage try turkey sausage or even a fully cooked veggie sausage Broccoli can be swapped with cauliflower or asparagus for something new Parmesan can be replaced with pecorino for a sharper bite and in a pinch chicken stock can fill in for bone broth

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the orzo into bowls and top with plenty of fresh cracked black pepper For a pop of freshness lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up Side salads or quick garlic bread keep the meal feeling complete If you want extra vegetables wilt in some chopped spinach at the end

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Cultural or Historical Context

Orzo dishes have Mediterranean roots and this quick skillet dinner borrows those comforting flavors With sausage broccoli and parmesan this shows how pantry staples come together in American kitchens to make wholesome one pan meals

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the orzo for another type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like pastina or ditalini for a similar texture. Adjust the liquid and cook time as needed.

→ What’s the best way to get the sausage browned?

Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet. Let the sausage slices sear on one side before flipping for a golden crust.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Frozen broccoli works well; simply add it straight to the pan. Cook a few minutes longer until heated through and tender.

→ Is this meal suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this skillet dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the pasta.

→ How can I add more flavor to this dish?

Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Extra garlic or crushed red pepper can boost the flavor, too.