Q1: What is the absolute, number one secret to a naturally creamy one-pot pasta without any cream?

The secret is the starch from the pasta ! By cooking the dry orzo directly in the broth, you are allowing all of its wonderful, natural starches to be released directly into the cooking liquid. These starches are a brilliant, natural thickener that transforms the simple broth into an incredibly creamy, luscious, and velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every single noodle.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is at its absolute creamiest and best when it is served fresh from the pot. However, you can save a ton of time by preparing all your ingredients ahead of time (slicing the sausage and chopping your vegetables), which will make the final cooking process a true, 15-minute meal.

Orzo is a type of small, pasta that is shaped like a large grain of rice. It is a very popular pasta shape in Italian and Greek cuisine. Its small size and quick cooking time make it the absolute perfect pasta for a one-pot dish like this one, as well as for pasta salads and soups.

Q4: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, absolutely! Simply use the "Sauté" function to brown your sausage and cook your garlic and broccoli. Then, add your broth and your uncooked orzo, secure the lid, and pressure cook on High for 5 minutes . Perform a quick release, and then stir in your Parmesan cheese at the end.

Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply be sure to use your favorite brand of a gluten-free orzo pasta and a brand of chicken sausage that is certified gluten-free.

Creamy One-Pot Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo

A quick and easy one-pot meal featuring orzo pasta, chicken sausage, and broccoli. This simple weeknight dinner is made entirely in a single large pot. Sliced, pre-cooked chicken sausage is browned with garlic, then combined with broccoli florets. Uncooked orzo is added directly to the pot along with chicken broth and seasonings, and everything is simmered together until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the liquid, creating a creamy sauce. The dish is finished with a stir of grated Parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh parsley.

Author: Grace

Ingredients

2 cups orzo pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften.
Add the uncooked orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and well combined.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

This is a true one-pot meal, which makes for very easy cleanup on a busy weeknight.
The orzo is cooked directly in the broth with the other ingredients, which allows it to absorb all the flavors and helps create a creamy sauce from its starches.
Using pre-cooked chicken sausage is a key time-saving shortcut for this recipe.

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/chicken-sausage-and-broccoli-orzo/