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One-Pot Creamy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

Close-up of creamy chicken sausage and broccoli orzo topped with Parmesan cheese.
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This recipe creates a savory, creamy orzo dish featuring chicken sausage and fresh broccoli. It is designed as a quick, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights, minimizing cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half for creaminess
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste based on sausage sodium)
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the dry orzo pasta, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toast the orzo for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in the broccoli florets. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. The mixture should look creamy.
  6. Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy sauce.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 3 minutes of cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
  • This is a great recipe for healthy meal prep; store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/chicken-sausage-and-broccoli-orzo-recipe/