If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, hassle-free dinner that the whole family will love, look no further than this Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet. It’s the perfect one-pan recipe that’s hearty enough for comfort food season, but light and fresh enough for any time of year. Combining lean protein, nutritious vegetables, and a touch of indulgence from Parmesan cheese, this skillet meal is a weeknight lifesaver. The magic lies in the way the orzo soaks up all the savory flavors from the sausage and broth, creating a creamy, risotto-like texture without any cream. You’ll only need 30 minutes and one skillet to make this satisfying dinner happen. The combination of chicken sausage and broccoli makes this dish both hearty and nutritious. The broccoli adds a welcome freshness and crunch, while the chicken sausage delivers a punch of flavor and richness. Orzo pasta is a fantastic choice here—it cooks quickly and binds the whole dish together into something that feels comforting and complete. A final touch of lemon juice brightens everything up, and a sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness. Whether you serve it on its own or with a crisp side salad or garlic bread, this dish is sure to impress—and disappear fast. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since it all happens in just one pan.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 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
For the Sauce:
- 2½ cups (590ml) chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Chicken Sausage
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is golden brown and slightly crispy. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Toast the Orzo & Simmer
Add the uncooked orzo directly to the skillet. Stir and toast the orzo for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to smell nutty. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8 minutes.
4. Add Broccoli & Return Sausage
Uncover the skillet and stir in the broccoli florets. Return the browned sausage to the pan as well. Cover again and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Finish with Cheese & Lemon
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Mix until creamy and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy it straight from the skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
⏱ Recipe Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Skill Level: Easy
- Author: Amelia
🍽 Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap broccoli for spinach, zucchini, or asparagus depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese before serving.
- Use a spicy andouille sausage or turkey sausage if you prefer a different flavor profile.
This is the kind of meal you’ll want to keep in your rotation—comforting, nutritious, and incredibly easy to throw together. Would you make this with another green veggie like kale or even frozen peas in a pinch? 🍋🥦✨ Let me know how you’d customize your skillet!
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