Name: Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 75 g Orzo pasta; 3 Heck chicken paprika chipolatas (or 2 sausages of your choice); 100 g broccoli; 2 cups Spinach; 2 cloves garlic; ⅓ onion; 3 sun dried tomatoes; ¼ tsp chilli flakes; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp parmesan; pine nuts (optional)

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What is sausage and broccoli orzo?

Now this sausage and broccoli orzo recipe is a seriously yummy one. Definitely the kind of thing you should make for guests. When I first started making this recipe it was full of ingredients I rarely used and I even described it as quite a fancy dish. Now, i use ingredients like apple cider vinegar and sun dried tomatoes wherever I can because they make dishes taste so good! Orzo is a tiny little pasta that I didn’t even know existed until I saw it in the supermarket a few years ago. It’s pasta shaped like rice, so when you see it you expect it to taste like rice but it doesn’t! Very strange, in the best way! Don’t forget to subscribe and follow me on socials so that you never miss any of my healthy recipes for weight loss.

Do you have a diet restriction?

This orzo recipe is great for those with the following diet restrictions:

Dairy Free
Nut Free

When I ordered ingredients for this dish, my supermarket substituted my typical Heck chicken sausages for pork sausages unfortunately. So when it comes to the photos you’ll just have to pretend they are the best low calorie chicken sausages in the world. The quantities listed (75g orzo) creates 1 serving. Please don’t forget to adjust the ingredients for the amount of servings you need.

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients

When I photographed this orzo recipe my sausages were already cooked the day before. If that’s not the case for you, cook your sausages as per the instructions. Whilst they’re cooking, cut your broccoli into small florets and boil for 10 minutes. The orzo also needs to boil for 10 minutes, so if you want to save on washing up like I did then you can boil both in the same pot. Drain your broccoli and orzo and leave to one side.

As well as all the other food prep you’ll need to wilt some spinach, around 2 packed cups should be enough. Alternatively if you want to use pre-prepared then frozen spinach cubes are a great way to do that, usually I do opt for frozen spinach for convenience but seeing as I was going all out for this mean, I wanted to use fresh spinach too. To wilt spinach, pop it in a frying pan or a saucepan for 5 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid spinach sticking to the pan. If you want to save on washing up again, use the frying pan that you’ll be using later.

Step 1: Saute the onion

Now that your sausages, broccoli and orzo are taken care of, finely chop your onion and garlic. Pat any oil off of the sun dried tomatoes and cut them to your preference too. Add the onion to a hot pan to cook for 3-5 minutes. I substitute any oil in frying for a little water to stop things sticking but you make your own alterations here if necessary. Cut your sausages into pieces and add those to the pan along with the tomatoes and garlic, mix well.

Step 3: Add the other ingredients

Add the broccoli, spinach and orzo and stir well. Add the remaining ingredients apart from the pine nuts which will be used as a final touch. This should be chilli flakes, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, paprika and parmesan. Stir often to prevent the orzo sticking and cook for 10 minutes. Sprinkle pine nuts on top to serve.

Variations

1. Mediterranean Medley

Enhance the Mediterranean flavors by adding Kalamata olives and feta cheese crumbles to the orzo mixture. The combination of briny olives and creamy feta adds a delightful twist.

2. Lemon Herb Infusion

Introduce a burst of freshness by incorporating chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. Add extra lemon zest for a zesty kick that brightens up the dish.

3. Tomato Basil Bliss

Transform the dish into a tomato basil delight by stirring in a spoonful of fresh basil pesto. This addition brings a rich and aromatic basil flavor to complement the tomatoes.

4. Garlic Parmesan Crunch

Create a savory crunch by sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan on top before serving. This variation adds a delightful texture contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Certainly! Experiment with different pasta shapes or varieties like whole wheat or gluten-free orzo to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Can I use pre-cooked sausages?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausages just like i did and add them to the pan as directed. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are heated through. You can also use fresh

What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can be suitable substitutes. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the sausages or substitute them with plant-based sausages or extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Certainly! Prepare the components in advance, and assemble and heat them when ready to serve. However, hold off on adding the spinach until reheating to maintain its freshness and colour.

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