Quorn Sausage and Broccoli Orzo with Garlic Herb Cream
One-pan orzo dish featuring Quorn vegetarian sausages browned until golden, combined with tender leeks, broccoli florets, and creamy garlic herb cheese. The orzo absorbs vegetable stock while simmering, creating a comforting, protein-rich meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without meat. This version uses Quorn for a lower-fat protein option and cream cheese for richness without heavy cream.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- 2
Add Quorn sausages and cook until golden on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
- 3
Remove sausages and chop into pieces.
- 4
Heat remaining oil in the same pan over medium heat.
- 5
Add chopped leeks and cook until wilted and tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- 6
Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes.
- 7
Add orzo and vegetable stock to the pan.
- 8
Return sausage pieces to the pan and toss everything together.
- 9
Simmer for about 10 minutes until orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
- 10
Stir in garlic and herb cream cheese and cook for 2 minutes more.
- 11
Ladle into bowls and serve.
Tips
Don't skip browning the sausages first - this creates a flavorful fond in the pan that seasons the entire dish.
For creamier results, reserve 2 tablespoons of orzo cooking liquid before draining to loosen the cream cheese.
Substitute broccoli with spinach or kale for a different green; add during the final 2 minutes of simmering.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of stock to restore creaminess.
Prepare vegetables up to 8 hours ahead. Cook full dish up to 1 day ahead; texture of orzo softens slightly but dish remains tasty.
Ladle into bowls. Pair with crusty bread or a sharp green salad. Serves 3-4 as main course.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip browning sausages to avoid bland result and lost textural contrast.
Don't add cream cheese before liquid absorbs or sauce becomes too thick and gluey.
Don't overcook orzo before adding stock or it becomes mushy during simmering.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
conf:3
Vegan Options
equal cooking time
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based sausages and swap cream cheese for dairy-free version or creme fraiche alternative. Confirm both products are certified vegan as some contain traces of animal products.
What if I don't have vegetable stock?
Use chicken, mushroom, or even water mixed with a vegetable bouillon cube (800ml total). Water alone will be less flavorful, so boost with soy sauce or nutritional yeast if available.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days. Orzo continues softening as it sits. Reheat gently on stovetop, adding splash of stock to loosen sauce and restore creaminess.