Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring a taste of cozy comfort to your dinner table tonight? This dish, Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo, is a wholesome, hearty meal that blends the tenderness of orzo pasta with the savory richness of chicken sausage and the bright freshness of broccoli. 🌿💛

This recipe has its roots in Mediterranean-inspired cooking — simple ingredients, cooked with love, and seasoned just right to let their natural flavors shine. Imagine tender bites of orzo mingling with golden-browned sausage slices, all tied together in a light, garlicky sauce that gently coats everything. It’s a complete one-pan meal that delivers both nourishment and satisfaction without any fuss.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to favorite for families, couples, or anyone who craves comfort food with a healthy twist. You’ll love how each bite balances the earthy, nutty notes of orzo with the slight spice of sausage and the freshness of broccoli. 🍋🌾

So grab your skillet, a spoon, and a dash of enthusiasm — it’s time to make something warm and delicious!

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• A handful of spinach or kale for extra greens
• 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the orzo:
   Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Cook the sausage:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp on the edges. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Steam the broccoli:
   Add the broccoli florets and a splash of chicken broth. Cover and let steam for 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just tender.
5. Combine the ingredients:
   Return the sausage to the pan, then add the cooked orzo. Pour in the chicken broth and gently toss everything together. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
6. Finish the dish:
   Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. If the orzo looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until creamy and glossy.
7. Season and serve:
   Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

🍋 Chef’s Tip: This dish also tastes great cold as a next-day lunch! Add a touch more lemon juice and olive oil before serving.

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4

⚡ Calories per serving: ~420
💪 Protein: 24g
🥦 Carbohydrates: 48g
💧 Fiber: 4g
🧈 Fat: 16g
💚 Saturated Fat: 4g
🍋 Cholesterol: 55mg
🌾 Sodium: 520mg
🍯 Sugar: 3g

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#easymeals #healthycomfortfood #onepandinner #broccoliorzo #chickensausagerecipe

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️