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Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet

A hearty and nutritious one-pan meal combining chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo pasta, ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

Brown the Chicken Sausage
  1. 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.
Sauté the Aromatics
  1. 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.
Toast the Orzo & Simmer
  1. 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.
Add Broccoli & Return Sausage
  1. 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.
Finish with Cheese & Lemon
  1. 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.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy it straight from the skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Notes

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. For a creamier texture, 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.