A quick, savory skillet dinner that comes together in about 25 minutes. Tender orzo cooks to a plump, slightly chewy texture and soaks up a light chicken-broth sauce. Browning the chicken sausage adds smoky, savory notes. Bright broccoli adds color, crunch, and a fresh bite. Finish with grated Parmesan for a salty, creamy touch. This dish smells warm and garlicky and makes a satisfying weeknight meal.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 3
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving
- Calories per serving: 390 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Why Make This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
This recipe is fast, flexible, and full of flavor. It cooks in one pan after the orzo is done, so cleanup is easy. The chicken sausage brings savory richness without long cooking. Broccoli adds color and a fresh crunch. The orzo soaks up the broth for a satisfying, almost risotto-like bite without the fuss. It’s a great weeknight option and also good for meal prep.
How to Make Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
This recipe uses simple steps: cook the orzo, brown the sausage, sauté garlic and broccoli, then combine and finish with Parmesan. Small techniques—like browning the sausage well and not overcooking the broccoli—make a big difference in texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 chicken sausages, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7–10 minutes). Drain the orzo and set it aside. Meanwhile, slice the chicken sausages, mince the garlic, and trim the broccoli into bite-size florets.
Step 2: Mixing
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages in a single layer. Cook without moving too much until each side is browned and caramelized, about 4–6 minutes total. Browning builds flavor.
Step 3: Cooking
Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the broccoli is bright and just tender. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes to warm and slightly reduce the liquid.
Step 4: Finishing
Stir the cooked orzo into the skillet with the sausage and broccoli. Toss to combine and let it warm through for a minute. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Serve straight from the skillet for a casual family meal.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for brightness and heat.
- Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up extra juices.
- For a lighter plate, serve smaller portions alongside roasted vegetables.
How to Store Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, place in an airtight container, and store for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Not ideal for long-term freezing because pasta can become soft. If needed, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between, to keep the texture even.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Brown the sausage well. A good sear adds depth of flavor.
- Don’t overcook the orzo. Aim for al dente so it keeps texture when mixed with the skillet.
- Cook the broccoli until just tender-crisp. It should be bright green and slightly crunchy.
- Use low-sodium broth if you want to control sodium levels, and adjust salt at the end.
- If the skillet is dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen the mixture.
- Grate fresh Parmesan rather than using pre-grated for a creamier finish.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream at the end.
Delicious Variations
- Veg-forward: Add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for color and sweetness.
- Cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer dish.
- Spicy: Use spicy chicken sausage or add red pepper flakes while sautéing.
- Herbaceous: Stir in chopped basil, parsley, or lemon zest just before serving.
- One-pan version: Cook orzo directly in the skillet with extra broth (about 1 1/2 cups) and finish stirring in the sausage and broccoli after the pasta cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use whole-grain orzo?
A: Yes. Whole-grain orzo works fine. It will be firmer and take a minute or two longer to cook. Check package times and adjust.
Q: Can I swap the chicken sausage for another protein?
A: Absolutely. Pork sausage, turkey sausage, or sliced chicken breast all work. If using raw chicken, cut small pieces and cook through before adding the broccoli.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness in place of cheese.
Q: What if I only have frozen broccoli?
A: Use frozen broccoli but add it a bit earlier in the skillet so it fully thaws and any excess water evaporates. Pat it dry if possible to avoid watering down the sauce.
Q: Is this dish good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to refresh the texture.
Q: My orzo stuck together after cooling. How do I fix it?
A: Toss the orzo with a little olive oil right after draining to prevent clumping. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth and stir over medium heat.
Q: How can I lower the sodium?
A: Use low-sodium chicken broth and look for lower-sodium chicken sausages or rinse the sausage pieces briefly to remove surface salt. Season with salt at the end to taste.
Conclusion
This Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo is an easy, satisfying weeknight meal with bright broccoli, savory sausage, and tender orzo. It’s quick to make and easy to adapt to what you have on hand. For another take on this skillet-style dish, see this full recipe and variation ideas at Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet – Lolo Home Kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, flavorful dinner in under 30 minutes.
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Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick, savory skillet dinner with tender orzo, chicken sausage, and bright broccoli, finished with grated Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 chicken sausages, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7–10 minutes). Drain the orzo and set it aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausages in a single layer. Cook until each side is browned and caramelized, about 4–6 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the broccoli is bright and tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir the cooked orzo into the skillet with the sausage and broccoli. Toss to combine and let warm through for a minute. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Brown the sausage well for added flavor and don’t overcook the broccoli for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
