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Chicken sausage broccoli orzo in white bowl topped with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley

Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo

A quick one-pot Italian-inspired meal featuring tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and Parmesan cheese ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 1 pound chicken sausage sliced into rounds, Italian or garlic herb varieties
  • 2 cups broccoli florets cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic minced finely
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated from block
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, plus extra for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot (4-quart or larger) with lid
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or cooking spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot (4-quart or larger) over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until bright green and slightly softened.
  4. Pour in orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every 3 to 4 minutes, until orzo is tender and liquid is reduced to a creamy consistency with about 1/4 cup remaining.
  6. Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until melted and well combined.
  7. Serve hot in shallow bowls, topped with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The orzo will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so the texture becomes slightly thicker when chilled. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Add red pepper flakes for heat or baby spinach for extra greens. This recipe contains wheat (orzo) and dairy (Parmesan).