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Cheesy Orzo with Sausage and Broccoli

Cheesy orzo with crispy bits of orzo and tender broccoli. Recipe only uses 6 ingredients and cooks in one skillet!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or any type of liquid fat to sauté in
  • 12-16 oz smoked sausage sliced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups small broccoli florets fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage (or chicken sausage/pork sausage) and cook until it starts to caramelize and get those golden bits on the bottom of the pan—that’s where the flavor lives!
  2. Toss in your diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add the orzo pasta and stir it around for a minute or two to toast it lightly. It gives the whole dish a delicious, nutty base.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the broccoli. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook.
  5. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. The orzo will soak up the broth and become nice and tender.
  6. Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is creamy and melty. Add salt and pepper to taste.