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To make this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 chicken sausages, sliced - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) - Zest of 1 lemon You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage for a leaner option. - Swap orzo pasta with quinoa or rice for a gluten-free dish. - Vegetable broth works well in place of chicken broth for a vegetarian meal. Want to boost the taste? Here are some great add-ins: - Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens. - Toss in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy kick. - Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for vibrant flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 chicken sausages, sliced - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) - Zest of 1 lemon Make sure to wash the broccoli well and cut it into small pieces. Dice the onion and garlic finely for better flavor. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions. Cook them until they turn soft and clear, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the sliced chicken sausages. Cook them until they are brown for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step adds a nice flavor to your dish. Now, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for one more minute. This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer gently. Add the orzo pasta and broccoli florets to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Check the orzo to see if it's tender and the broccoli is bright green. When everything is cooked, take the pot off the heat. Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. It adds a fresh taste. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking. Let it rest for a few minutes to thicken before serving. To get the best texture, make sure not to overcook the orzo. It should be soft but still hold its shape. For a bit more heat, you can add more red pepper flakes if you like. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh broccoli and good-quality chicken sausage enhance the dish's flavor. If you want a creamier texture, add more Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve the dish in shallow bowls. Top with more Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. A lemon wedge on the side adds a nice zing! When picking chicken sausage, look for lean meat. Choose sausages with simple ingredients. Check the label for no added fillers or preservatives. Fresh sausages have a better taste. If you can, try different flavors like garlic or herb. These add a nice touch to your dish. Taste is key, so sample before buying if you can. To cook broccoli just right, start with fresh florets. Rinse them well and cut them into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Add them to the pot when the orzo is almost done. This way, they stay bright green and crisp. Overcooking can make them mushy and dull. A quick steam or sauté is best for flavor and texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, use a pot on low heat. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Stir gently until hot. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat. Enjoy the meal again without losing its charm! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and vibrant color. Avoid overcooking it to keep it crisp and nutritious. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Stir the orzo occasionally as it cooks to prevent it from sticking together. Taste it a minute or two before the cooking time is up for the perfect al dente texture. Customize Your Sausage: Feel free to use different types of chicken sausage or even turkey sausage for a leaner option. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the dish. Extra Flavor Boost: For added depth, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions and sausages. Let it reduce slightly before adding the broth. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free dish, try plant-based sausage. Many brands offer tasty options. Look for ones made from lentils, beans, or soy. These options give you great flavor without meat. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty texture. Sauté them until golden for the best taste. If you need a gluten-free choice, many brands offer gluten-free orzo. These are usually made from rice or corn. They cook similarly to regular orzo but may need slight adjustments in time. Always check the package for cooking instructions. Quinoa is another great substitute. It adds a nice crunch and is packed with protein. To add more flavor, try fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Add them at the end for a fresh taste. You can also use spices like smoked paprika or cumin for depth. A dash of lemon juice brightens the dish. If you enjoy heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. To keep Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. This step helps prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to sogginess. Place the container in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. You can freeze Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo for later use. Portion it into smaller containers for easy meals. For best results, freeze the dish without the cheese. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or microwave until it's hot. If you want, add fresh cheese after reheating for that creamy touch. Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo stays good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last for about 2-3 months. Check for signs of spoilage like an off smell or mold. If you see any, it's best to throw it away. Always trust your senses; if it looks or smells bad, do not eat it. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the pot with the orzo. It cooks fast and will blend well with the dish. Make sure to adjust the cooking time a bit since frozen broccoli may need less time to heat through. To add heat, you can increase the red pepper flakes. Start with a full teaspoon if you love spice. Another option is to stir in hot sauce at the end. You can also add diced jalapeños or fresh chili peppers while cooking. This dish goes well with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette adds freshness. You can also serve it with garlic bread or crusty rolls. For something warm, roasted vegetables would be a great choice too. This blog post covered everything you need for Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo. We explored key ingredients, mentioned helpful substitutions, and suggested add-ins for better flavor. I shared a straightforward cooking process and tips for texture. Choosing the right chicken sausage and cooking broccoli perfectly ensures success. There are great variations for vegetarians and secrets for storing leftovers. Now you have the tools to create a delicious dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure and feel free to get creative!

Chick'n Sausage & Broccoli Orzo Delight

A delicious and hearty dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken sausage, and fresh broccoli, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 pieces chicken sausages, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 piece zest of lemon

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the sliced chicken sausages to the pot and cook until they are browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the broccoli florets and orzo pasta to the broth. Stir to combine and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is bright green.
  • Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken, then serve hot.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls topped with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper, garnished with a lemon wedge for an extra zing!
Keyword broccoli, chicken sausage, orzo, pasta