Description
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, savory dish that delights the palate with its rich flavors and comforting texture. The tender orzo pasta absorbs the creamy sauce, while the juicy chicken sausage adds a hearty bite, and the vibrant broccoli provides a fresh crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- For the Chicken Sausage:
- 2 links (about 8 oz) chicken sausage, sliced
- For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced chicken sausage to the skillet, cooking until the sausage is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to combine everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Serve warm.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce and warm over low heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
- Feel free to swap chicken sausage for turkey sausage or a vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
Keywords: Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, Orzo, Creamy Pasta, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Easy Recipe, Healthy Dinner, Italian Cuisine, Savory Dish, Family Meal, Weeknight Dinner, Gluten-Free Recipe