Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

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I can’t overstate how much I love one-pan meals, especially when they come together like this Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet. It’s the kind of dish that makes dinner feel both effortless and satisfying. The orzo gets perfectly tender and soaks up all the rich, savory flavors from the seared chicken sausage and the lightly charred broccoli. What really draws me to this dish is the balance — hearty enough for cold evenings but fresh enough for summer nights.

When I first started making this recipe, it was all about convenience. I needed something quick but wholesome, flavorful without a long ingredient list. But it quickly became a favorite for more than just ease — the textures, the slight caramelization on the sausage, and the garlic-infused orzo bring serious comfort to the table. It’s a weeknight dinner I truly look forward to.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

This skillet dinner checks all the boxes: fast, filling, and full of flavor. You only need one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s also super customizable — you can toss in extra veggies, swap the sausage, or even make it creamy with a touch of cheese. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just meal-prepping lunches for the week, it holds up beautifully. Plus, the balance of protein, pasta, and greens makes it a complete, no-fuss meal.

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What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

Orzo might look like rice, but it’s actually a small, rice-shaped pasta — and it’s perfect for this recipe. I usually go for regular semolina orzo, which cooks quickly and holds onto flavor well. If you want a bit more bite, whole wheat orzo works beautifully and adds a nutty depth. Gluten-free orzo is also available in many stores now and can be swapped in without changing the cooking method.

Just keep in mind: don’t overcook the orzo. It should be tender but not mushy — we want it to hold its shape and soak up the savory goodness of the sausage and broth.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is flexible enough to adjust based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs:

• Chicken Sausage: Swap with turkey sausage, smoked sausage, or a plant-based sausage alternative.
• Broccoli: Cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, or even frozen green beans can step in without issue.
• Orzo: As mentioned, whole wheat or gluten-free orzo are great alternatives. You can also sub in couscous, small pasta shells, or even rice (though cooking time and liquid might need adjusting).
• Garlic and Onion: Use garlic powder or onion powder in a pinch, or shallots for a milder, sweeter taste.
• Broth: Chicken broth gives the best flavor, but vegetable broth or even water (with a bouillon cube) will still work well.

These substitutions help keep the dish approachable, especially on those nights when your fridge isn’t fully stocked.

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Ingredients for This Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

Let’s talk about what goes into this dish and why each ingredient earns its spot in the skillet.

• Chicken Sausage: This is the star protein — flavorful, lean, and quick to cook. I prefer pre-cooked varieties so they only need a sear to bring out their best.
• Orzo Pasta: Tender, quick-cooking, and perfect for absorbing all the flavor from the broth and sausage. It also creates that comforting, risotto-like base.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds color, texture, and a healthy crunch. It balances the richness of the sausage and makes the dish feel wholesome.
• Garlic: Essential for building flavor. Just a couple of cloves go a long way in infusing the whole dish with warmth.
• Onion (or Shallot): Adds a sweet-savory depth that forms the base of the skillet sauce.
• Chicken Broth: This is what cooks the orzo and infuses everything with savory richness. Use low-sodium if you want more control over seasoning.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and searing. It adds a fruity base flavor that enhances the sausage and aromatics.
• Salt and Pepper: Just enough to season the dish throughout — adjust to taste based on your broth and sausage saltiness.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): A finishing touch that adds richness and that irresistible umami edge.

These ingredients come together in a balanced way, creating a complete meal that tastes like more effort than it really is.

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Step 1: Sear the Sausage

Start by slicing your chicken sausage into ½-inch thick rounds. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside — you’ll return it later.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 2–3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. These create the flavor base for the orzo.

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Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the dry orzo to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir it around for a couple of minutes to let it toast slightly. This step gives the orzo a lovely nutty aroma and ensures it doesn’t turn soggy later.

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Step 4: Add Broth and Cook

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the orzo cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, or until it’s al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

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Step 5: Steam the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets on top of the orzo without stirring them in completely. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the broccoli steam over the orzo for 3–4 minutes, just until bright green and tender-crisp.

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Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the sausage to the skillet and give everything a good stir. Let it all cook together for another 1–2 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. For a little something extra, finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

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How Long to Cook the Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

This dish comes together in about 30 minutes total — perfect for busy evenings:

• Searing sausage: 6–8 minutes
• Sautéing onion and garlic: 3–4 minutes
• Toasting orzo: 2 minutes
• Simmering orzo with broth: 8–10 minutes
• Steaming broccoli: 3–4 minutes
• Combining and finishing: 2 minutes

Keep an eye on the orzo’s texture — it should be tender but not mushy when it’s ready.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

• Brown the sausage well: That caramelized edge boosts flavor throughout the dish.
• Don’t rush the aromatics: Let the onion soften and the garlic bloom — it’s the foundation of your skillet’s flavor.
• Toast the orzo: Just a couple of minutes adds a deep, nutty taste and improves the final texture.
• Use a lid when steaming the broccoli. It traps the heat and cooks the florets just right without turning them mushy.
• Add cheese off the heat: If using Parmesan, stir it in after the heat is off to avoid a clumpy texture.
• Taste before seasoning: Chicken sausage and broth both carry salt, so add extra salt and pepper only after tasting.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this skillet is straightforward, a few small missteps can affect the final result:

• Overcrowding the pan: If the sausage is too close together while searing, it’ll steam instead of brown. Give each piece space for that golden crust.
• Skipping the toasting step: Raw orzo straight into the broth is fine, but toasting it adds flavor and helps prevent clumping.
• Overcooking the orzo: It can go from al dente to mushy quickly. Watch the pot and test a few minutes before the time is up.
• Over-steaming the broccoli: A few minutes under the lid is all it takes. Overdo it and you’ll lose that vibrant green color and crisp bite.
• Forgetting to stir while simmering: Orzo tends to settle and stick, so give it a few gentle stirs while cooking.

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What to Serve With Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet?

While it’s a complete meal on its own, you can round it out with a few simple additions:

Simple Green Salad

A light salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the orzo and sausage.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside — perfect for soaking up any leftover broth.

Lemon Wedges

A quick squeeze of lemon adds brightness and cuts through the savory depth of the dish.

Roasted Garlic Hummus and Pita

Great for a Mediterranean twist on the side.

Marinated Olives

Their briny punch works well with the warm, hearty flavors in the skillet.

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

Cool, creamy, and refreshing — an ideal contrast to the warm main.

A Glass of Crisp White Wine

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the herby sausage and broccoli.

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Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet is how well it holds up for leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it great for meal prep.
• Freezer: While orzo can soften slightly after freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave works too — cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Avoid freezing if you’ve added Parmesan cheese at the end — it can become gritty upon thawing. Instead, add fresh cheese after reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general idea per serving (based on 4 servings from the full recipe):

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg (can vary with sausage and broth choice)

This dish strikes a nice balance between carbs, protein, and fats, with fiber and nutrients from the broccoli — ideal for a well-rounded dinner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken sausage works best?

Use fully cooked chicken sausage — flavors like garlic herb, Italian, or sun-dried tomato basil are perfect. Avoid raw varieties unless you want to adjust the cook time significantly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! It stores well in the fridge for several days. You can prep the entire dish and reheat, or make components like sausage and orzo in advance and combine when ready to eat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free orzo. Everything else (sausage, broccoli, etc.) is naturally gluten-free — just double-check broth and sausage labels to be sure.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap the chicken sausage for a plant-based version or use sautéed mushrooms and chickpeas for a meat-free protein that still offers texture and depth.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. No need to thaw — just add a minute or two to the steam time and drain excess moisture if needed.

How do I keep the orzo from sticking?

Stir occasionally while simmering, and make sure there’s enough broth to move around. A little olive oil also helps coat the orzo grains.

What can I do if it turns out too salty?

Balance it with a squeeze of lemon juice or a small spoon of unsalted yogurt. Also, next time consider low-sodium broth and sausage options.

Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes! Parmesan is excellent. Add it off the heat so it melts smoothly into the orzo without clumping.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet is everything a weeknight dinner should be: quick, comforting, and satisfying without feeling heavy. Whether you’re feeding the family or just yourself, this one-pan wonder brings flavor and ease in every bite. It’s endlessly customizable and sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

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