Description
Chicken Sausage Orzo is a creamy, one-pot Italian comfort meal made with tender orzo pasta, juicy chicken sausage, and fresh broccoli, all simmered in savory broth and finished with melted Parmesan cheese for a rich, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 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
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook 5–7 minutes until browned and lightly crisp.
- Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Optionally, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes to slightly soften.
- Add orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Toast orzo in olive oil before adding broth for a nuttier flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Substitute spinach, kale, or peas for the broccoli if preferred.
- For extra creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt off-heat.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg