Description
A delightful dish that marries hearty Italian sausage with vibrant broccoli and tender orzo pasta, creating a creamy and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1lb or 450g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, and then remove with a slotted spoon.
- Sauté the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine: Return the sausage to the skillet, add chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Mix in the Orzo: Fold in the cooked orzo, warming for another 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For more flavor variations, try different types of sausage or adding more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg