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Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

This Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and orzo pasta simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Protein and Veggies

  • 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or more, to taste)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce

Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients: Slice the chicken sausage into rounds or remove it from the casing if preferred, being cautious as some sausages may fall apart when casing is removed. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the broccoli into small florets. Chop the red bell pepper as well.
  2. Sauté Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage and sauté for 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Cook Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and continue cooking for another 4 minutes, allowing it to soften and become translucent.
  4. Add Garlic and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about 30 seconds to release the garlic’s fragrance and toast the orzo slightly.
  5. Simmer with Liquids and Veggies: Stir in the Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Once bubbling, add the broccoli florets and chopped red bell pepper. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking and ensuring the pasta cooks evenly.
  6. Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Be careful when removing chicken sausage from casing as some varieties break apart easily.
  • Stir frequently during the simmering step to prevent orzo from sticking or burning on the bottom.
  • You can substitute vegetable broth to make this recipe meat-free by using plant-based sausage or skipping the sausage.
  • For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American