Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

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Some weeknights, I just crave something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. That was exactly the kind of comfort I needed when I made this Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet. It was one of those dinners that happened with whatever I had in the fridge, and to my surprise, it became a new go-to.

I had a pack of chicken sausage, a bunch of fresh broccoli, and half a box of orzo pasta that had been waiting for its moment to shine. I didn’t want to dirty a bunch of pans, so I cooked everything in one skillet, layering in flavors with garlic, broth, and just a touch of creaminess to tie it all together. It turned out hearty, satisfying, and loaded with flavor.

Since then, I’ve made this recipe again and again, tweaking it a bit each time. It’s fast, easy, and comes out great even on the busiest nights. Plus, it’s a delicious way to get greens on the plate without feeling like you’re forcing it. If you love cozy pasta dinners, you might also want to try my Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta or the crowd-favorite One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

This recipe is the perfect balance of cozy and fresh. The orzo cooks right in the same pan, absorbing all the savory flavors from the sausage and broth. The broccoli adds a pop of green and a mild bite that keeps things balanced, while the chicken sausage brings that slightly smoky richness without making the dish feel too heavy. It’s a wholesome meal that checks all the boxes: protein, veggies, and pasta in one pan. Clean-up is a breeze, and you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. That’s a win in my book.

Ingredients

Chicken Sausage: It brings a savory, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the broccoli and orzo. I usually go for pre-cooked chicken sausage to save time, but you can use raw if that’s what you have—just cook it longer.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add texture, color, and a healthy crunch. They steam perfectly in the same skillet and absorb the delicious flavors from the broth and sausage.

Orzo Pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta is the perfect choice for skillet meals. It cooks fast and soaks up all the savory juices, giving every bite a creamy, cohesive texture.

Garlic: A few cloves of minced garlic elevate the whole dish with a warm, aromatic base.

Chicken Broth: It’s the liquid gold that helps cook the orzo and infuses it with flavor. You can use low-sodium if you want more control over the saltiness.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth and creates a lightly creamy finish when stirred in at the end.

Olive Oil: Used to sauté the sausage and garlic, it brings richness to the dish without overpowering it.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch gives the dish a gentle heat that cuts through the richness without being too spicy.

How to Make Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until it starts to brown and crisp on the edges, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Push the sausage to one side and add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute, just until fragrant, stirring so it doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo to the skillet. Stir it around so it gets coated with the oil and sausage juices. Toast it for 1–2 minutes to deepen its flavor.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir, then cover and let it cook for about 8 minutes.

Step 5: Add Broccoli

Uncover the skillet and stir in the broccoli. Cover again and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can switch up this Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet to fit your taste or what’s in your fridge. Try swapping the chicken sausage for turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, asparagus or spinach work beautifully here too. Don’t have orzo? Small pasta shapes like ditalini, pearl couscous, or even rice can fill in.

For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese right before serving. Want extra flavor? Toss in sun-dried tomatoes or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This skillet dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round it out, a crisp side salad or some roasted vegetables would make a lovely addition. I like to serve it with garlic bread or a chunk of crusty baguette to soak up every last bit.

If you’re pouring drinks, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon complements the savory and fresh flavors perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to bring back the moisture, especially if the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid. You can warm it up on the stove over medium heat or pop it in the microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because the texture of the orzo and broccoli can get mushy once thawed, but if you do freeze it, just be sure to reheat gently and stir well.

FAQs

How long does Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet take to make?

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I make Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently and maybe add a splash of broth to freshen it up.

Can I use frozen broccoli in Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet?

You can! Just add it a few minutes earlier to make sure it thaws and cooks through fully.

Is Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet gluten-free?

Not as written, since orzo is a wheat pasta. But you can substitute with gluten-free orzo or rice.

How do I make Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce while cooking to amp up the heat.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If this skillet meal made your dinner easier and tastier, you’ll definitely want to try Creamy Broccoli Pasta next. It has a similar one-pan feel, full of fresh greens and cozy pasta comfort. You might also love the Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce if you’re in the mood for something that leans lighter but still hits all the savory notes.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t let this Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet recipe get lost in the scroll! Pin it to your favorite weeknight dinner board on Pinterest so it’s easy to find when you need a quick and comforting meal. Share it with your friends who need easy one-pan dinner ideas—text it, email it, or tag them on social media. The more we share meals like this, the easier dinner becomes for everyone.

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