This simple yet hearty dish has all the makings of the ultimate comfort food—tender orzo, savory sausage, fresh broccoli, and a gooey mix of cheddar and colby jack cheese. 🧀 It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This recipe is one of my mom’s signature dishes, and it’s a personal favorite that brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Family Favorite: Passed down from my mom, it’s loved by all ages.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Balanced Meal: Combines protein, carbs, and veggies into one satisfying dish.
- Cheesy Comfort: With 2-3 cups of shredded cheese, it’s pure indulgence.
- Customizable: Swap broccoli for other veggies, or switch up the sausage to fit your taste.
Why This Dish is a Keeper
- Affordable: Uses budget-friendly ingredients that go a long way.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or picky eaters.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, less hassle.
- Comfort Food Classic: A cozy, cheesy dish that hits the spot every time.
How to Make Cheesy Orzo with Sausage and Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 2 packs sausage (kielbasa or your choice, sliced)
- 1 pack orzo pasta (16 oz)
- 2-3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and colby jack recommended)
- 1 bag frozen broccoli (1-2 lbs)
- Milk (optional, for added creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced sausage until browned and heated through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Orzo:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions.
- Add the Broccoli:
- A few minutes before the orzo is fully cooked, add the frozen broccoli directly to the pot. Let it cook with the orzo until tender.
- Drain and Combine:
- Drain the orzo and broccoli mixture and return it to the pot.
- Add Cheese and Sausage:
- Stir in 2-3 cups of shredded cheese until it melts and coats the pasta and broccoli evenly. Add the cooked sausage and mix well.
- Optional Creaminess:
- If desired, add a splash of milk for a creamier texture.
- Season and Serve:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, and enjoy your cheesy, comforting meal!
How to Serve Cheesy Orzo with Sausage and Broccoli
- Serving Style: Serve it in bowls, topped with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor and color.
- Pairings: Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread to balance the richness. You can also serve it with a light white wine such as Chardonnay.
- Temperature: It can be served hot or warm, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.
How to Store Cheesy Orzo with Sausage and Broccoli
- In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creaminess.
- In the Freezer: If you want to freeze it, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it thoroughly, either in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra liquid as needed.
Tips to Make Cheesy Orzo with Sausage and Broccoli
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides a firmer texture and more vibrant color than frozen.
- Brown the Sausage: Brown the sausage well to get more flavor into the dish.
- Add Garlic: A couple of minced garlic cloves sautéed with the sausage can add great depth of flavor.
- Season Well: Don’t forget to season the orzo with salt and pepper while it cooks. You can also add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Use Full-Fat Cheese: For a richer, creamier sauce, opt for full-fat cheese like sharp cheddar or mozzarella.
- Add a Touch of Cream: For an ultra-creamy texture, stir in a little heavy cream or milk along with the cheese.
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo to avoid overcooking; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Top with Parmesan: Adding freshly grated Parmesan at the end will give the dish an extra cheesy, savory boost.
- Make it Spicy: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the orzo and sausage mixture ahead of time and assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.
Variations of Cheesy Orzo with Sausage and Broccoli
- Swap the Sausage: Use ground turkey, chicken sausage, or Italian sausage to change up the flavor profile.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms with the sausage for added texture and flavor.
- Use Different Vegetables: Substitute broccoli with spinach, kale, or peas.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a tangy twist, add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add Bacon: For extra savory flavor, top the dish with crumbled bacon.
- Make it Vegan: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use dairy-free cheese and milk for a vegan option.
- Swap Orzo for Another Pasta: Try using small pasta shapes like ditalini or fusilli if you don’t have orzo.
- Add Red Pepper: A red bell pepper can add sweetness and color.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some spicy sausage or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda, fontina, or provolone for unique flavors.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any small pasta shape works well in this dish, such as penne or farfalle.
- Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, prepare the orzo and sausage mixture in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Can I substitute broccoli with another vegetable? Yes, spinach, kale, peas, or zucchini are great alternatives.
- How do I keep the dish creamy when reheating? Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to maintain creaminess.
- Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely, any kind of sausage, including chicken sausage or turkey sausage, can be used.
- How do I prevent the orzo from being mushy? Avoid overcooking the orzo and follow the package instructions for al dente results.
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the dish.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk to make it dairy-free.
- Can I add more cheese? Yes, feel free to add extra cheese to your liking for a more indulgent dish.
- Can I make this without cream? Yes, use milk or broth as a base instead of cream.
- How spicy is this dish? It depends on the type of sausage used. You can add red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Can I add more protein to the dish? You can add grilled chicken or even shrimp for more protein.
- How long does this dish last in the fridge? Leftovers last 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Can I use store-bought sausage? Yes, pre-cooked or raw sausage works fine.
- What kind of cheese should I use? Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both work great.
- Can I add garlic to this recipe? Yes, garlic adds great flavor. Sauté it with the sausage.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta.
- Can I make this a one-pan dish? Yes, you can make it in one pan by sautéing the sausage, then adding the orzo and broccoli directly into the pan.
- How do I serve this for a crowd? You can double the recipe and serve it in a large casserole dish to feed more people.