Crafting a meal that’s both comforting and quick can feel like a tall order, but I assure you, the Cozy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo has got you covered. This delightfully simple dish packs a flavor punch while delivering the hearty satisfaction your family craves. Picture this: tender orzo hugging perfectly cooked chicken sausage, all enveloped in a savory broth with bursts of vibrant broccoli. You can almost smell it, right? Let’s dive in.
Cozy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
A delightful dish combining tender orzo, chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli in a savory broth, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage (sliced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 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 the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until nicely browned.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they just begin to soften.
- Add the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and mixed in.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For storing leftovers, let the orzo cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat or use the microwave, adding a splash of broth to rehydrate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Why This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Never Fails
Gearing up for a weeknight meal that pleases everyone? This Cozy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo not only checks all the boxes for taste but also for nutrition and convenience. No fuss, just deliciousness. Follow along as I outline the steps and you’ll see why I come back to this time and again.
Your Ingredient Lineup
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage (sliced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
This straightforward lineup provides everything you need for a well-rounded dish — it’s like a hug on a plate!
Cooking Method Made Simple
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until nicely browned. Browning is key, folks.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant — you’ll know it’s time when your kitchen smells divine.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they just begin to soften. You want them vibrant, not mushy!
- Add the orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and all the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s all melty and mixed in. Treat yourself to a taste, you deserve it!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. It’s pretty, tasty, and ready to delight your family.
Healthy Reasons to Love This Cozy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
Balanced and filling without feeling heavy, this dish not only satisfies hunger pangs but also gives you a nice boost of energy thanks to its rich combination of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
How to Serve It Best
When it comes to serving this Cozy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo, you’ve got options! It makes for an excellent dinner after a long day. Pair it with a simple side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to keep it light, or serve it with crusty bread for dunking if you’re feeling indulgent. This dish is perfect for any occasion where you want to provide nourishment without overcomplicating things.
Keep It Fresh
For storing leftovers, follow these savvy tips. Let the orzo cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it can last for about 3 months. Just make sure you label them to avoid the mystery dish dilemma!
To reheat, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat or use the microwave. You might want to add a splash of broth to rehydrate it a bit. No one wants dry orzo!
Pro Notes
- Cook the Sausage First: Browning it properly releases loads of flavors and gives it a nice texture.
- Varied Vegetables: Feel free to swap in other quick-cooking veggies like spinach or bell peppers if broccoli isn’t your thing.
- Cheese Options: If you’re feeling adventurous, try a blend of cheeses or a sprinkle of feta for an unexpected twist.
Flavor Experiments
- Seasonal Spin: Swap broccoli for asparagus in the spring for a fresh take on the dish.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh basil or oregano for a fragrant twist on the Italian seasoning.
- Spice It Up: Toss in some red pepper flakes for heat if your family enjoys a bit of kick.
Curious Cooks Ask
Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! Just be mindful of the cooking time as it might differ. Aim to watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can easily swap the chicken sausage for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! This dish is quite versatile. Just be sure to choose vegetables that cook relatively quickly.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze in portions if you want to keep it longer.
This Cozy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is a classic that continually earns its place on the dinner table. With its mix of nutrients and flavor, you’ll find it easy to whip up time and again. Get ready for another round of “more please!”