Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Orzo

Ingredients

• 12 oz Smoked sausage (diced; author uses Conecuh brand)
• 0.5 cup Onion (diced)
• 1 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1.5 cup Orzo (dry)
• 3 cup Chicken broth
• 2 cup Broccoli (freshly chopped)
• 0.5 cup Heavy whipping cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• 1 tsp Chicken bouillon powder (or to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Onion powder
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp Paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced onions and sliced smoked sausage.

2. 2

   Brown the sausage and cook the onions until they are soft and translucent.

3. 3

   Once browned, remove the sausage and onions from the skillet and set aside.

4. 4

   In the same skillet, add the tomato paste and the dry orzo.

5. 5

   Give the mixture a good stir until the orzo is well combined with the tomato paste.

6. 6

   Let the orzo toast in the skillet for a minute or two until slightly fragrant.

7. 7

   Pour in the chicken broth.

8. 8

   Add the freshly chopped broccoli to the skillet.

9. 9

   Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and tender.

10. 10

    Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the shredded Parmesan cheese.

11. 11

    Fold the cream and cheese into the orzo until the cheese starts to melt.

12. 12

    Season the dish with chicken bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste.

13. 13

    Add the cooked sausage and onions back into the skillet.

14. 14

    Give everything one last toss to combine and heat through before serving.

Notes

This is a versatile one-skillet meal. You can adjust the seasonings to your preference or use different types of smoked sausage.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• one-skillet
• quick dinner
• weeknight meal
• sausage
• broccoli
• orzo
• pasta