Creamy Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting yet quick dinner, you’re going to want to try my Creamy Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together – it’s creamy, packed with flavor, and perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the combination of tender orzo, savory sausage, and fresh broccoli hits all the right notes. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together beautifully – each one plays a role in flavor and texture. When shopping, pick a quality chicken sausage with herbs or spices you love, and fresh broccoli florets are best for that nice bite.

• Orzo pasta: This little rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the flavors perfectly.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to brown the sausage without overpowering the dish.
• Chicken sausage: I prefer Italian-style for a bit of zest, but choose your favorite flavor.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh and tender, they add color and nutrition.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that extra pop of flavor.
• Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses everything – use low-sodium to control saltiness.
• Italian seasoning: This mix enhances the dish with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Salt and pepper: To season to your liking.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully to create the creamy sauce.
• Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that adds freshness and color right before serving.

Variations

I love to switch things up depending on what I have on hand or the time of year. This recipe is really forgiving, so feel free to make it your own!

• Swap the Sausage: When I want something lighter, turkey sausage works great here and keeps the flavor lively.
• Extra Creamy: For those days when you crave ultra-richness, stirring in 1/4 cup of heavy cream just before serving takes it to the next level.
• Veggie-Heavy: Toss in extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more color and nutrition – my family devours it!
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic if you like a little heat.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your sliced chicken sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. I like to let it get a little crispy on the edges because it adds a wonderful texture to the dish. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan so the sausage can brown properly instead of steaming.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step is key for building that garlicky flavor base. Then, toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften but still have some bite – you want that fresh, slightly crunchy texture.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Pour in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes until the orzo is tender and has soaked up most of the broth. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t stick to the bottom – giving it a gentle stir every few minutes works wonders.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. This step makes the dish irresistibly luscious in texture. If you want it creamier, go ahead and add the heavy cream here, stirring it in gently. Then, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and brightness.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with plenty of fresh parsley because it brightens things up and adds color to the plate. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or even a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully, especially on warmer days.

Side Dishes

Since the Creamy Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe is so filling on its own, I usually serve it with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a simple cucumber salad add a refreshing touch that balances the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, I like to plate this recipe in pretty shallow bowls, topped with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a little crunch. You can also portion it into small ramekins, sprinkle with Parmesan, and broil briefly to get a golden crust on top – it looks impressive and tastes amazing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. The orzo tends to soak up the sauce as it sits, so adding a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating helps bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times, and while the texture softens a bit after thawing, it still tastes great. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a little broth to loosen it up.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts while stirring in between to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s proof that comforting, satisfying meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. I love sharing it with friends and family, especially when I want to impress without breaking a sweat. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever you want a dish that feels both like a warm hug and a flavorful feast.

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