This chicken sausage broccoli orzo skillet is a simple one pan dinner that is warm, filling, and full of flavor. It is made with tender orzo pasta, juicy chicken sausage, and soft broccoli cooked together in a light, creamy style sauce.
Everything cooks in one pan, which means less mess and less stress in the kitchen. The orzo soaks up the broth and becomes soft and rich while the sausage adds savory flavor in every bite.
This is the kind of easy one pan dinner recipe that works well for busy weeknights, simple family meals, or when you want something comforting without spending too much time cooking.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple one pan chicken sausage orzo recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Balanced with protein, pasta, and vegetables
- Creamy texture without heavy cream
- Easy cleanup with minimal dishes
- Family friendly and great for meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz chicken sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets (cut small for even cooking)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken sausage: Use mild, spicy, or garlic flavored sausage depending on preference. Turkey sausage also works well.
- Orzo pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen broccoli can also be used if thawed slightly.
- Chicken broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds creaminess and depth. You can also use pecorino or omit for a lighter version.
- Lemon juice: Optional but helps balance richness and brighten the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
Place a large deep skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add sliced chicken sausage in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes so it develops a golden brown crust.
Stir occasionally and continue cooking until the sausage is browned on most sides. This step builds deep flavor for the entire dish. Do not rush this step because the browned bits at the bottom of the pan will add taste later.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion directly into the skillet with the browned sausage. Stir well and cook until the onion becomes soft and slightly translucent.
Next, add minced garlic and stir continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The garlic should become fragrant but not burn. This creates the flavor base of the dish.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Pour the dry orzo pasta directly into the skillet. Stir everything together so the orzo mixes with the sausage, onion, and garlic.
Let the orzo cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring often. This light toasting step helps the pasta develop a slightly nutty flavor and improves texture after cooking.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, as they add extra flavor.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The orzo will begin absorbing liquid as it cooks. Keep the heat at medium so it simmers gently and does not boil too fast.
Step 5: Add Broccoli and Simmer
Add the broccoli florets on top of the simmering orzo mixture. Stir gently to distribute them slightly, but do not overmix.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. The orzo should become tender and the broccoli should soften but still keep a slight bite.
Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Finish Cooking and Adjust Texture
Remove the lid and check the texture of the orzo. It should be soft and creamy, with most of the liquid absorbed.
If there is still too much liquid, continue cooking uncovered for a few more minutes. If the mixture looks too thick, add a small splash of broth or water to loosen it.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Final Seasoning
Turn off the heat. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce and creates a creamy texture.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add lemon juice if using for a light fresh flavor that balances the richness.
Mix everything well so the sausage, broccoli, and orzo are evenly coated in the sauce.
Serve warm directly from the skillet.
Tips for the Best Results
- Always brown the sausage well for deeper flavor
- Stir orzo often to prevent sticking to the pan
- Cut broccoli into small, even pieces for consistent cooking
- Do not overcook orzo or it may become mushy
- Add broth gradually if needed for perfect creamy texture
- Taste at the end before adjusting salt
Variations and Add-Ins
- Add spinach at the end for extra greens
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor boost
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Replace broccoli with zucchini, peas, or asparagus
- Add a splash of cream for extra richness
- Mix in mozzarella for a cheesy version
What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread or toasted bread slices
- Simple green salad with lemon dressing
- Roasted carrots or green beans
- Fresh fruit on the side for balance
- Iced tea or lemonade
Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides for deep flavor.
- Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in dry orzo and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast.
- Pour in chicken broth slowly while stirring. Scrape the bottom of the pan and bring to a simmer.
- Add broccoli florets, cover, and simmer until orzo is tender and broccoli is cooked.
- Stir and cook uncovered if needed until creamy and thick.
- Stir in parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and add lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Cut the broccoli into small florets so it cooks evenly and mixes well with the orzo.
- Stir the orzo once or twice while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- If the mixture becomes too thick before the orzo is fully cooked, add a splash of extra chicken broth or water.
- For extra flavor, use roasted garlic chicken sausage, spicy chicken sausage, or parmesan chicken sausage.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts better and creates a smoother, creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese.
- Frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh broccoli. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking so it does not become too soft.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors and balance the richness.
- Want a creamier texture? Stir in 2 to 4 tbsp heavy cream or a little extra parmesan before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo, since pasta absorbs liquid as it sits.
- This recipe is easy to customize. Try adding spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Season carefully before serving. Chicken sausage, broth, and parmesan can already add saltiness to the dish.
- For meal prep, slightly undercook the orzo so it keeps a better texture after reheating.
This chicken sausage broccoli orzo skillet is a simple, cozy, and reliable dinner that fits into any busy schedule. It brings together soft pasta, savory sausage, and tender vegetables in one easy pan.
It is warm, filling, and easy to customize, making it a great go-to meal for weeknights. Once you try it, it easily becomes one of those recipes you come back to again and again.
