Description
The Best Orzo Dinner Recipe is a creamy, hearty, and versatile dish that combines tender orzo pasta with savory chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich yet light sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, healthy dinners on the go, or meal prepping, this recipe balances comfort and nutrition effortlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced (or chicken breast cubes)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally until orzo begins to absorb liquid.
- Add broccoli and cherry tomatoes, cooking until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan, season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer gently until orzo is creamy and fully cooked.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Whole wheat orzo boosts fiber and nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg