This Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of: savory, hearty, and full of bright color from fresh broccoli, with tender orzo mingling deliciously alongside golden-browned chicken sausage in every spoonful. There’s absolutely no need for multiple pots or lengthy cleanups—everything comes together in a single skillet, making both busy weeknights and leisurely family meals something to look forward to. The bonus? A sprinkle of Parmesan brings all the flavors together, turning a handful of simple ingredients into pure comfort food. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that delivers big taste with minimal fuss, Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli is ready to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t have to clear your pantry to make Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli—this recipe calls for honestly simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a crucial role in the flavor, texture, or even the gorgeous green pop on your plate. Let’s break down why you’ll want each one in your skillet.
- Chicken sausage: Gives the dish richness, savory depth, and a delightful smokiness—choose a flavor you love, from Italian herb to spicy!
- Fresh broccoli florets: Add a fresh, slightly crunchy bite and vibrant color; using broccoli also packs in extra nutrients.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the whole skillet with irresistible aroma and classic Italian flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps everything brown perfectly and adds its own fruity, round note to the dish.
- Uncooked orzo: The tiny pasta pearls soak up all the flavors, giving each bite a deliciously creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid for the orzo, which makes everything flavorful and cohesive—low-sodium works if you like to control the salt.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the skillet at the end, bringing a salty, nutty finish that ties all the elements together.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Sausage
Start by slicing your chicken sausage into half moons. This not only helps it brown more quickly and evenly in the skillet, but also ensures that each bite gets that wonderful sausage flavor. Keeping the slices on the thicker side will give you a satisfying chew.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat up your favorite large skillet over medium-high, drizzle in the olive oil, and watch it shimmer—this is your cue to add the sausage. Let each side get deeply golden, about two minutes per side. The browning step is essential, as it creates those crave-worthy bits you’ll scrape up later, adding incredible flavor to the entire Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Garlic
Once the sausage is looking irresistibly golden, toss in that fresh broccoli along with the minced garlic. Stir well, letting the garlic sizzle and release its fragrance while the broccoli begins to soften just slightly. This quick sauté coaxes out the best in both ingredients without losing the crunch and bright color of the broccoli.
Step 4: Toast Orzo and Deglaze
Next, sprinkle the uncooked orzo into the pan, stirring it around to toast lightly and pick up any browned goodies at the bottom. Then pour in the chicken broth, using your spoon to gently scrape up all the flavorful bits stuck to the skillet. This deglazing step is where even more flavor magic happens for your Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli!
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender, Then Add Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything gently simmer away for 10-12 minutes. Give it a good stir every now and then, making sure the orzo doesn’t stick. Once the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth, stir in the grated Parmesan and let it melt in for the final, dreamy finish. Serve right away and soak up the cozy, cheesy aroma.
How to Serve Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli
Garnishes
For a little extra color and flair on your Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil works wonders. If you like a bit of zing, a light twist of lemon zest over the top perks everything up. And of course, let’s not forget a final flurry of Parmesan!
Side Dishes
This one-skillet meal is a complete dinner on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the experience, serve it with a side of crusty bread to mop up any sauce, or a simple green salad for something fresh and crisp alongside. Garlic bread also makes for an especially indulgent pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform weeknight dinner into something a bit more special by serving the Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli in shallow bowls with extra freshly grated cheese at the table. It’s also fun to portion it into small ramekins for a cozy, individual serving, or offer it family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic, communal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the orzo will continue to absorb some sauce as it sits, you may notice the texture thickens a bit, but the flavors deepen in the most wonderful way—perfect for next-day lunches!
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli, simply cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to help preserve the texture of the orzo and broccoli.
Reheating
To reheat, place the desired portion in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to help loosen it up, then warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave—just add a bit of liquid, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute bursts until hot.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you have frozen broccoli on hand, add it straight from the freezer; it will soften even faster than fresh, so keep an eye on the texture and add it just before the orzo finishes cooking.
Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?
You can substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta shapes like small shells or rice-shaped gluten-free pasta; just adjust the simmering time and watch the liquid levels, as gluten-free pasta can absorb broth differently.
What’s the best type of chicken sausage for this recipe?
Any fully cooked chicken sausage works! Try Italian herb for classic flavor, or spicy varieties for a little kick—each brings its own twist to the Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute and works perfectly in this dish. It keeps the orzo creamy and flavorful, giving a vegetarian-friendly base if you swap the chicken sausage for a plant-based version, too.
How do I keep the orzo from sticking to the pan?
Stirring every few minutes, especially as the orzo simmers, helps prevent sticking. If your skillet is prone to sticking, drizzle in a little extra olive oil or use a nonstick pan for worry-free results.
Final Thoughts
No matter how busy your day gets, there’s always time for the comfort and joy of a homemade Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli. It’s a dish you’ll want in your rotation again and again—simple, flavorful, and wonderfully nourishing. Give it a try and share that dinnertime happiness with your loved ones!
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Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines savory chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and nutritious broccoli in a delicious skillet meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Sausage:
- 12 oz package chicken sausage, sliced into half moons
Broccoli:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 1/3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Slice the chicken sausage: Slice the chicken sausage into half moons.
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and brown the sausage on each side until golden brown.
- Cook with garlic and broccoli: Add minced garlic and broccoli to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes, then add orzo and broth. Stir well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- This dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- For a spicier kick, use spicy chicken sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
