Zesty Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 chicken sausages, sliced (preferably Italian or garlic flavored) - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish This recipe needs just a few key ingredients. First, orzo pasta is the base of the dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. You can use any type of chicken sausage you enjoy, but I prefer Italian or garlic for a tasty kick. Next, fresh broccoli adds color and nutrients. The onion and garlic give the dish depth and aroma. Olive oil is essential for cooking and adds healthy fats. You may want to add red pepper flakes for some heat. The chicken broth makes the orzo creamy and flavorful. Don't forget the lemon zest and juice; they brighten the entire dish. Finally, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese round everything out. These ingredients come together to create a delightful meal. Each one plays a role in building flavor and texture. You can easily find these items at your local grocery store. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing chicken sausage Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 sliced chicken sausages. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often until they are browned. Use a spatula to break them apart as they cook. This step builds a great base flavor. 2. Adding onions and garlic Next, add 1 diced small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Stir this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent. This will create a nice aroma that fills your kitchen. 3. Incorporating broccoli and orzo After the onions and garlic are ready, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook for another 2 minutes. The broccoli should look bright green but still be crisp. Now, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pan. Mix it well with the sausage and vegetables. This brings all the flavors together. 4. Simmering the mixture Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth while stirring everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. The orzo will cook al dente and soak up most of the liquid. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. 5. Final seasoning and serving suggestions Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. If you like heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Finally, remove the pan from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a bright touch. Enjoy your meal! - Choosing the right chicken sausage: Look for chicken sausage that is flavorful. Italian or garlic sausage works best. They add a nice depth to the dish. Avoid sausages with too many fillers; you want quality meat. - Cooking orzo al dente: To cook orzo just right, follow the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes. Taste it a minute before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. This will keep it from getting mushy when mixed with other ingredients. - Enhancing flavors with lemon: Lemon adds brightness to your meal. Use both the zest and juice for the best flavor. The zest gives a pop while the juice adds a tangy finish. It balances the richness of the sausage and cheese well. - Alternatives for seasoning: If you want to change things up, try different spices. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a nice touch. For a kick, use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. Each will change the flavor in a fun way! Pro Tips Choose Quality Sausages: Opt for high-quality chicken sausages for better flavor. Italian or garlic-flavored sausages will enhance the dish significantly. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Cook the broccoli just until it’s bright green and slightly tender to maintain its nutrients and vibrant color. Adjust the Lemon to Taste: The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted based on your preference for acidity. Start with less and add more if desired. Parmesan Cheese Tip: For a creamier texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged, as it melts better and enhances the overall flavor. {{image_2}} You can make Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo your own. Start by swapping chicken sausage for other proteins. Try turkey sausage or even shrimp for a new twist. If you're vegan or vegetarian, you can replace sausage with plant-based options. Use lentils or chickpeas for protein. They add great texture and flavor. Adding different vegetables can also change the dish. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work well. Feel free to mix and match them based on what's in your fridge. For flavor variations, herbs can elevate your meal. Fresh basil or thyme can add a nice touch. You could also use dried herbs, like oregano or rosemary, for a warm taste. To keep your Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo fresh, start by letting it cool. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. When you want to reheat, use a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water. This helps keep it moist. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you need to freeze it, use freezer-safe containers. You can freeze leftovers for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. By following these tips, you can enjoy this tasty dish later! Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use other pasta types. Try penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust cooking time as needed. Keep an eye on it while cooking. Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! Chicken sausage broccoli orzo makes a great meal prep dish. It stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely. Pack it in individual containers for easy lunches. How long can leftovers be stored? Leftovers can last up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Just swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta. Many good options are available, like rice or quinoa pasta. Adjust cooking time as needed. This blog post shared a simple recipe for chicken sausage and broccoli orzo. We covered the ingredients needed, from orzo pasta to spices. I guided you through the cooking steps and shared tips for perfecting the dish. We also explored variations to make it your own and discussed storage methods for leftovers. Enjoy making this dish! With its ease and flavor, you can impress anyone at your table. Happy cooking!$

Zesty Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Orzo

A flavorful dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pieces chicken sausages, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups chicken broth
1 piece lemon, zested and juiced
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break them apart as they cook.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan, stirring for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Incorporate the broccoli florets and cook for another 2 minutes until they are vibrant green but still crisp.
Add the orzo pasta to the saucepan, mixing it well with the sausage and vegetables.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.

Keyword broccoli, chicken sausage, orzo, quick meal