Cheesy Orzo with Sausage and Broccoli: A Hearty, 30-Minute Meal

Craving a dish that's deliciously comforting yet quick to make? This Cheesy Orzo with Broccoli and Sausage is a must-try for busy nights when you want something that’s both hearty and flavorful. With melt-in-your-mouth sausage and vibrant broccolini, it's the perfect balance of taste and nutrition.

Ingredients for Cheesy Orzo with Sausage and Broccoli

To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need just a few simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully in one skillet. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a rich, cheesy depth to the dish. Be sure to have extra on hand for a generous topping!
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Provides the perfect base for cooking the orzo and infusing it with savory flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the sausage and broccolini to golden perfection.
• 8 ounces hot Italian chicken sausage, fully cooked and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds – This brings bold, spicy flavors to the dish while keeping things lean and satisfying.
• 1 cup orzo pasta – A small, rice-like pasta that soaks up all the delicious flavors, creating a creamy, comforting texture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a fragrant kick that complements the savory sausage and fresh broccolini.
• Kosher salt, to taste – A must-have for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Elevates the dish with a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
• 1 pound broccolini, coarsely chopped (about 2 bunches) – Offers a fresh, crisp texture that adds color and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the cheese and sausage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready in no time. The key to this recipe is the balance of textures and bold flavors. Here’s how you make it:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage slices and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning them to ensure both sides are golden brown and crispy. This step adds rich flavor and texture to the sausage. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to keep it warm.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped broccolini and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the broccolini for about 5 minutes, until it turns a vibrant green and is almost tender. This will give the dish its fresh, crunchy bite.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. The garlic will release its wonderful aroma, adding a fragrant, savory kick to the dish.
4. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes. This step is important as it allows the orzo to lightly toast, which helps enhance its natural flavor and gives it a nutty taste before the liquid is added.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and the liquid has been mostly absorbed. If the pasta is cooked before the liquid is fully absorbed, uncover the skillet and let it simmer for an extra minute to allow any remaining liquid to evaporate.
6. Once the orzo is cooked and the broth is absorbed, return the sausage to the skillet and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt, creating a creamy, cheesy consistency that coats the orzo and sausage beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
7. Serve the dish hot, topped with more grated Parmesan for extra flavor and richness, if desired.

This recipe is perfect for a quick, hearty dinner with loads of flavor and just a handful of ingredients!