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Healthy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

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A quick, wholesome, and family-friendly dinner featuring savory chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and crisp broccoli, all cooked together for a comforting and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170 g)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (about 300 g), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (600 ml), low-sodium preferred
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g), optional
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients (10 minutes): Slice the chicken sausage into ½-inch rounds. Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince garlic cloves. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Orzo (10-12 minutes): Bring 2 ½ cups chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add orzo and a pinch of salt. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender but slightly firm (8-10 minutes). Drain excess liquid if necessary, reserving a bit for creaminess.
  3. Sauté the Sausage (5-7 minutes): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  4. Cook the Broccoli and Garlic (5-6 minutes): In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant, careful not to burn garlic.
  5. Combine Everything (3-4 minutes): Return sausage to skillet with broccoli and garlic. Add cooked orzo and toss gently. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts and ingredients are well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve Warm: Plate immediately, optionally drizzling extra olive oil or garnishing with fresh herbs.

Notes

If mixture seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water before serving. Avoid overcooking broccoli to keep it crisp-tender. Use fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free orzo, quinoa, or rice. Sausage varieties can be swapped; adjust cooking times accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken sausage, broccoli, orzo, healthy dinner, family meal, quick recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, protein-packed, wholesome

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