Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo

$- 8 oz orzo pasta - 2 chicken sausages, sliced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved The main stars of this dish are the orzo and chicken sausage. The orzo gives a lovely base that holds the other flavors. Chicken sausage adds a nice savory touch. Broccoli florets bring great color and crunch. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness. - 1 small onion, diced - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Onion and garlic work together to build a rich flavor. They add depth and make the dish smell amazing. Olive oil keeps everything moist and helps with cooking. Italian seasoning gives a nice blend of herbs that ties the dish together. - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese - Fresh basil for garnish Parmesan cheese adds a salty and creamy finish. It melts beautifully over the warm orzo. Fresh basil adds a bright touch. Just sprinkle some on top for a fresh kick. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook orzo, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta when the water is bubbling. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Once done, carefully drain the orzo in a colander. Set it aside for later use. Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken sausages. Sauté the sausages for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown and cook through. Stir them often to prevent burning. Once browned, remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Then, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent and fragrant. Next, add the broccoli florets and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir these together and cook for another 5-6 minutes. The broccoli should become tender and bright green. Once done, you can move to the next step. To avoid overcooked orzo, follow these steps: - Cook it al dente: Check the orzo a minute before the package time ends. It should still have a slight bite. - Use plenty of water: This helps the orzo move freely and cook evenly. For the best flavor: - Salt your water: Add a good amount of salt to the boiling water before cooking the orzo. This adds flavor right from the start. - Toss with olive oil: After draining, mix the orzo with a bit of olive oil. This helps keep it from sticking. To brown sausage evenly: - Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if you have a lot of sausage. This ensures even cooking. - Let it sit: After adding sausage to the pan, don’t stir it right away. Let it brown for a couple of minutes first. For cooking vegetables: - Use medium heat: This helps the onions and garlic become soft and fragrant without burning. - Stir often: Keep the vegetables moving in the pan. This ensures they cook evenly and stay bright in color. For the best accompaniments: - Pair with a salad: A light green salad complements this dish well. It adds freshness. - Serve with crusty bread: A slice of warm bread is perfect for scooping up orzo. For presentation tips: - Use a large bowl: Serve the dish in a big, colorful bowl. This makes it look inviting. - Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan cheese adds a lovely touch. Pro Tips Choose Quality Sausages: Opt for high-quality chicken sausages for the best flavor. Look for those made with natural ingredients and minimal fillers. Cook Broccoli Perfectly: To keep broccoli vibrant and crisp, avoid overcooking. It should be tender yet still bright green when added to the skillet. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a different flavor profile and added nutrition. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor. Consider adding other herbs like parsley or oregano for extra freshness and depth. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken sausage to fit your taste. Try turkey sausage or even pork sausage. For a lighter option, consider a plant-based sausage. You can also add a variety of vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work great. Each veggie brings its unique taste and color to the dish. To boost the flavor, add herbs and spices. Fresh thyme or rosemary adds depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick too. Different cheese options can change the whole dish. Feta cheese adds a tangy taste. Goat cheese is creamy and rich. You can even try a mix of cheeses for a fun twist. For gluten-free needs, swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta. Quinoa is another great option that adds a nutty flavor. If you want a vegan version, skip the sausage and cheese. Use mushrooms for a meaty texture. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. To store leftovers of Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo, let it cool first. Place the orzo in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. Use glass or plastic containers. Glass keeps odors from escaping and is easy to clean. For reheating, the best method is using the stove. Heat a non-stick pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Place the orzo in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat it for one minute, then stir and heat again if needed. This way, it stays soft and tasty. You can freeze Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can reheat it once it is fully thawed. To cook orzo, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain it well. Common cooking mistakes include not using enough water or salt. Timing is key; start checking the pasta after 8 minutes to avoid mushiness. Yes, you can make Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo in advance. Best practices include cooking the orzo and sausage, then mixing them just before serving. Store it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Popular pairings include a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. These sides add freshness and crunch. For a balanced meal, consider serving a light soup or roasted vegetables for added nutrients. In this post, we explored how to make a tasty Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo. You learned about key ingredients, including orzo, chicken sausage, and fresh vegetables. We discussed cooking techniques and shared tips to perfect your dish. Remember, you can also make it your own with different ingredients or flavors. Enjoy experimenting with this easy recipe. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with taste. Prepare it any night of the week and impress your family or friends!$

Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo

A delicious and hearty dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken sausage, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

8 oz orzo pasta
2 pieces chicken sausages, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
1 4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
as needed fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and add the cooked orzo. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture, then gently toss everything together to combine well.
If desired, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Feel free to use any flavor of chicken sausage you prefer.

Keyword broccoli, chicken sausage, one-pot meal, orzo, pasta