Chicken Sausage, Broccoli & Orzo Skillet

Description

Chicken Sausage, Broccoli & Orzo Skillet is a quick, hearty, and flavorful one-pan meal loaded with savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta. This easy skillet dinner combines comforting textures with fresh ingredients for a balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in orzo and toast lightly for 1 minute.
5. Pour in chicken broth and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add broccoli florets and cooked sausage during the last 4–5 minutes of cooking.
8. Continue cooking until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green.
9. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
10. Garnish with parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Notes

• Orzo absorbs liquid quickly, so stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Chicken sausage adds lots of flavor with less fat than traditional sausage.
• Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen works too.

Tips

• Add spinach for extra greens.
• Use spicy chicken sausage for extra kick.
• A splash of cream can make it extra creamy.

Servings

4 servings

Nutritional Info (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g

Benefits

• High in protein
• Easy one-pan dinner
• Balanced with vegetables and carbs
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Quick weeknight comfort meal

Q&A

Can I use another pasta?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous work well.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit Parmesan cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, though orzo may soften slightly after reheating.

What can I serve with it?

Garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.