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Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet

This chicken sausage broccoli orzo skillet is a quick and easy one pan dinner made with tender orzo, juicy chicken sausage, and fresh broccoli. It is creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz chicken sausage sliced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice optional

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides for deep flavor.
  2. Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  3. Stir in dry orzo and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast.
  4. Pour in chicken broth slowly while stirring. Scrape the bottom of the pan and bring to a simmer.
  5. Add broccoli florets, cover, and simmer until orzo is tender and broccoli is cooked.
  6. Stir and cook uncovered if needed until creamy and thick.
  7. 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.