Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet

The sizzling sound of juicy Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet hitting the hot pan creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with promise. This one-pan wonder combines tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and nutrient-packed broccoli in a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and nourishing. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table without fuss, this skillet meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures while keeping everything in a single pan for easy cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. First, it’s a true one-pan meal – everything cooks in the same skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your evening. The combination of textures is truly satisfying: al dente orzo provides a pleasing bite, while the chicken sausage offers juicy meatiness that contrasts beautifully with the slight crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli.

The flavors build together as each ingredient cooks in the same pan, creating a depth that belies the dish’s simplicity. The orzo absorbs the savory juices from the sausage, while the broccoli soaks up the seasonings. It’s also incredibly versatile – swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, and you’ll still have a delicious meal. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like too much work but takeout isn’t appealing either.

Ingredients

For this delicious Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet, gather the following:

• 12 oz (340g) chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds (pre-cooked variety works best)
• 1 cup (200g) uncooked orzo pasta
• 4 cups (280g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2½ cups (590ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The chicken sausage provides a leaner protein option with plenty of flavor, while the orzo creates a pasta-like base that cooks quickly. Fresh broccoli adds essential nutrients and a pop of color to this one-pan meal.

Pro Tips

Toast the Orzo First: Before adding any liquid to your skillet, take an extra minute to toast the orzo in a bit of olive oil until it turns light golden brown. This simple step adds incredible nutty flavor and prevents the orzo from becoming mushy as it cooks in the broth. It’s the difference between good and exceptional chicken sausage and broccoli orzo.

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: For perfect broccoli texture in your Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet, add it at the right moment. Broccoli needs just 4-5 minutes to cook through while maintaining its vibrant green color and slight crunch. Add it too early, and you’ll end up with mushy, dull-colored florets that diminish the dish’s appeal.

Create Fond for Flavor: When cooking the chicken sausage, don’t stir too frequently. Allow it to develop a brown crust on one side before flipping. These browned bits (culinary fond) that stick to the pan will dissolve into the broth, creating an incredible depth of flavor throughout the entire dish. This technique elevates your one-pan chicken sausage meal from basic to restaurant-quality.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until it develops a nice golden-brown sear. Don’t move the sausage pieces too much during this initial cooking period – letting them sit creates that delicious caramelization that adds flavor. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic base will infuse your Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet with wonderful flavor.

Step 3: Toast and Cook the Orzo
Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil and seasonings. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to turn golden. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these contain tons of flavor! Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking
After the orzo has been cooking for about 8 minutes, add the broccoli florets and return the chicken sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine, cover again, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp, and the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid but is still slightly saucy.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Elements
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The residual heat will melt the cheese and create a light sauce that coats everything beautifully. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving your delicious Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Transform your Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet with Mediterranean flair by using Italian chicken sausage and adding ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 1 tablespoon capers during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Finish with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil. This variation brightens the dish with tangy, briny notes that complement the orzo perfectly.

Vegetarian Option: Create a meatless version by replacing the chicken sausage with 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add 1 cup of rinsed and drained cannellini beans when you return the mushrooms to the skillet for added protein. This plant-based take on broccoli and orzo skillet maintains the hearty satisfaction of the original while catering to vegetarian diets.

Spicy Cajun Twist: For heat lovers, use Andouille chicken sausage and replace the Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add a diced bell pepper along with the onion, and stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end for color. This bold variation gives your one-pan chicken sausage meal a Southern-inspired kick that’s perfect for those who enjoy spicier flavors.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the saucy consistency, as the orzo will continue absorbing liquid as it sits.

For a complete meal, serve this skillet straight from the pan with a side of crusty garlic bread for sopping up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette – the peppery greens provide a nice contrast to the savory skillet. For entertaining, transfer your Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet to a beautiful serving dish, garnish with extra Parmesan shavings and lemon wedges, and let guests help themselves family-style.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in your Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet, but add it directly from frozen and allow an extra minute or two of cooking time. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli tends to be softer than fresh, so it won’t have quite the same texture contrast.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
If orzo isn’t available, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well as substitutes. Rice is also an excellent alternative – use the same amount of liquid but adjust cooking time according to package directions.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This skillet meal is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep all ingredients in advance. For partial make-ahead, cook through Step 3, refrigerate, then finish with the broccoli and final steps just before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet holds up well for several days in the refrigerator and can be portioned into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners.

How can I make this recipe creamier?
For a creamier version, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese along with the Parmesan at the end of cooking. This creates a richer sauce that coats the orzo beautifully.

Conclusion

This Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious one-pan meal that brings together protein, veggies, and pasta in perfect balance. It’s the kind of dish that rescues weeknight dinners when time is short but you refuse to compromise on flavor. The beauty lies in its simplicity: minimal ingredients creating maximum impact, all coming together in a single skillet. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a reliable recipe to add to your regular rotation, this skillet has you covered. With its perfect blend of convenience and satisfaction, it proves that delicious, wholesome meals don’t need to be complicated.

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