Description
This Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet is a delicious, creamy, and comforting one-pan dinner made with juicy chicken sausage, tender broccoli, orzo pasta, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an easy, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil (or a generous drizzle)
8 ounces fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced into ¼– to ½-inch rounds
2–3 cups fresh broccoli, roughly chopped
½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Extra Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the chicken sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 2–3 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
2. Cook the broccoli: Add chopped broccoli to the skillet. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
3. Add garlic and orzo: Stir in minced garlic and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
4. Pour in chicken broth: Add chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer until tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Parmesan cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
7. Serve and enjoy: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Chicken Sausage: Use fully cooked Italian-style, garlic herb, or spicy chicken sausage for extra flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best, but frozen broccoli can also be used. Allow excess moisture to evaporate before adding the pasta.
Creamier Texture: Add a splash of warm chicken broth if the orzo becomes too thick.
Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan melts more smoothly than packaged pre-shredded cheese.
Extra Flavor: Add red pepper flakes for heat or fresh lemon juice for a brighter finish.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat with a splash of broth or water until heated throughout.
Cooking Tip: Check the orzo after 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe (approximately 1½ cups)
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg