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Creamy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

creamy chicken sausage and broccoli orzo - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy chicken sausage and broccoli orzo recipe that combines savory sausage, tender broccoli, and orzo pasta in a luscious sauce. Perfect for healthy, comforting dinners that come together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) chicken sausage, sliced or crumbled (mild Italian-style preferred)
  • 1 cup (185g) orzo pasta
  • 2 cups (about 180g) broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or white)
  • 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (can substitute coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)
  • Fresh herbs (optional, parsley or basil for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: slice or crumble chicken sausage, chop broccoli into bite-sized florets, mince garlic, finely chop onion, and gather orzo, chicken broth, and dairy ingredients.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add orzo to the pan and stir to coat with oil and aromatics. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 8 minutes.
  5. Stir in broccoli florets, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes until orzo is tender and broccoli is crisp-tender. Add broth or water if liquid is drying out.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and stir to combine and thicken sauce. Add more cream or broth if too thick.
  7. Return cooked sausage to the pan, mix thoroughly. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not rush browning the sausage to develop flavor. Avoid over-stirring orzo to prevent gumminess. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered to thicken. Adjust salt carefully as broth and Parmesan add saltiness. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days and freeze up to 2 months (broccoli may lose texture when frozen).

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken sausage, broccoli, orzo, creamy pasta, healthy dinner, quick meal, easy recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-chicken-sausage-and-broccoli-orzo-recipe-for-easy-healthy-dinners/