Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
A comforting and quick meal combining chicken sausage, orzo pasta, and fresh broccoli, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound chicken sausage Choose your favorite flavor for an extra kick—spicy, sweet, or herb-infused all work well.
- 1 cup orzo pasta This tiny pasta adds a lovely chewy texture; substitute with any small pasta like ditalini if needed.
- 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition; frozen works too—just thaw it before cooking.
- 1 medium onion, diced Sweet onions yield a lovely base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced The scent of garlic sizzling in olive oil is the ultimate kitchen comfort.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth This is the cooking liquid that brings everything together; vegetable broth is an excellent alternative for a vegetarian option.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing; feel free to use butter for a richer flavor.
- to taste salt and pepper Simple but essential for seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic.
- Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Toss in the broccoli florets and stir for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Stir in the orzo, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover the pot.
- Cook for about 10–12 minutes, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed the broth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
Feel free to add cheese for a creamy finish or incorporate fresh herbs just before serving.