I remember the first time I made this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet. It was a weeknight, of course, because when else does a busy mom really cook? My husband was running late, the kids were circling like hungry sharks, and I was staring into the fridge, willing something delicious to magically appear.
I had some chicken sausage, a head of broccoli that was starting to look a little sad, and a box of orzo. Inspiration struck! I thought, “Why not throw it all together in one pan?” The result was a surprisingly delicious and satisfying meal that has become a regular in our dinner rotation ever since. The beauty of this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes (hallelujah!) and it’s so easy to customize. I’ve tweaked and perfected it over the years, learning a few tricks along the way (more on that later!).
One time, I tried to be fancy and added sun-dried tomatoes. BIG mistake! My son, bless his picky heart, refused to eat it. Lesson learned: sometimes, simple is best. The beauty of this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet is its comforting flavor and how quickly it comes together. It’s a lifesaver on those nights when you just don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen. I’ve even made it when friends come over unexpectedly, and it’s always a hit.
I have a little confession to make though. The first time I made this, I completely overcooked the orzo. It was mushy and sad, and I almost gave up on the whole thing. But I’m stubborn, and I hate wasting food, so I salvaged it with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It actually turned out okay, but I learned a valuable lesson: pay attention to the orzo! It cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it. Now, my chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet is a weeknight staple. It’s quick, it’s easy, and everyone in the family loves it.
Trust me, once you try this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet, it will become one of your go-to recipes too!
Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
I always use Italian chicken sausage for my chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet. It adds a ton of flavor, and you can find it at most grocery stores. But honestly, any kind of chicken sausage will work. I like to buy the pre-cooked kind to save time, but if you’re using raw sausage, just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the other ingredients. When making chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet, you can usually find good deals on broccoli at the farmer’s market, especially during the fall. The nutritional benefits of broccoli are also considerable, making this a healthy and tasty choice.
Here’s a chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet trick I learned from my mom: blanch the broccoli before adding it to the skillet. This helps it retain its bright green color and keeps it from getting mushy. Just drop the broccoli florets into boiling water for a minute or two, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. It makes a big difference! For a quick ingredient prep shortcut when making chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet, I often buy pre-chopped onions. It saves me a few minutes, and every minute counts, right?
To save on the cost of ingredients for my chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet, I buy orzo in bulk. It’s much cheaper that way, and orzo lasts a long time. Plus, I use it in so many other dishes, like pasta salads and soups. Check out the orzo nutrition facts. If you have leftover broccoli after making chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for several days.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet – Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create this amazing one-pan meal:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma is wonderful at this stage of the chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet recipe!
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp. If you blanched the broccoli, you can reduce the cooking time.
- Pour in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Don’t worry if your chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet seems a little watery at first. The orzo will continue to absorb the liquid as it sits.
- Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I learned the hard way with chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet that it’s better to add the Parmesan at the end. If you add it too early, it can get clumpy.
- If desired, squeeze a little lemon juice over the skillet for brightness and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. In my kitchen, chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great weeknight meal!
- Serve immediately and enjoy! While the chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet is cooking, I usually set the table and get the kids’ drinks ready. It helps to have everything organized so we can sit down and eat as soon as it’s done.
Your chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet should smell like savory sausage, garlic, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. It’s such a comforting and inviting aroma! A family-tested chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet shortcut is to use pre-cooked chicken sausage and frozen broccoli. It cuts down on the prep time considerably!
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions to make this meal even more enjoyable:
The kids love our chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet when I serve it with a side of garlic bread. They love dipping the bread in the creamy sauce. It’s also delicious with a simple side salad. I often make this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet for potlucks and casual get-togethers. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to transport.
Here’s a chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet presentation tip I’ve discovered: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving. It makes it look so much more appealing. If you have extra chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also add a little extra chicken broth when reheating to keep it from drying out.
A seasonal chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet variation I’ve tried is adding roasted butternut squash in the fall. It adds a touch of sweetness and complements the other flavors beautifully. My friends always ask for this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet recipe whenever I make it for them. They love how easy it is and how flavorful it is. My mother in law loved it too so it became a staple for family gatherings as well.
For a variation, why not add some mushrooms for an earthy flavor?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this recipe:
Q: Can I use different types of sausage in this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet?
A: Absolutely! I usually use Italian chicken sausage, but you can use any kind of sausage you like. Turkey sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even chorizo would work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You know what I do when my chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet uses chorizo? I add a little bit of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor!
Q: Can I substitute the broccoli with another vegetable in this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet?
A: Of course! Broccoli is my go-to, but you can easily substitute it with other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or peas. I’ve even used asparagus before, and it was delicious. My family prefers broccoli in this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet, but I like to switch things up sometimes.
Q: Can I make this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can! Simply omit the chicken sausage and add some extra vegetables, like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. I made a mistake once and accidentally grabbed vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It actually turned out pretty good!
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta in this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet?
A: While orzo is my favorite for this dish, you can definitely use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use. A reader once told me she used quinoa instead of orzo, and it worked great for her!
Q: How can I prevent the orzo from getting mushy in this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet?
A: The key is to not overcook the orzo. Keep a close eye on it and start checking for doneness after about 15 minutes. It should be al dente, with a slight bite to it. Also, avoid adding too much liquid. I’ve made this mistake before and ended up with a soggy mess.
Q: Can I freeze this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet?
A: Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture of the orzo may change slightly. It’s best to freeze it in individual portions for easy reheating. My blog readers said it tasted great after freezing.
Q: Can I add cream to make the chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet creamier?
A: Absolutely! If you want a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end. It adds a richness that is absolutely delicious. If I want something even richer than heavy cream, I add mascarpone cheese.
My Final Thoughts
This chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder that simple ingredients, when combined with a little love and creativity, can create something truly delicious. It’s a meal that brings my family together around the table, and that’s what cooking is all about for me.
Here are a few of my chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcook the orzo! It’s the most important thing to remember.
- Blanch the broccoli for a brighter color and better texture.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors.
Some chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet variations I’ve tried with my family include adding different cheeses, like mozzarella or provolone. My husband loves it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. My son, the picky eater, surprisingly enjoys it with peas.
I encourage you to make this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Cooking should be fun and creative! I hope that this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. It’s a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that I know you’ll love. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
Remember my little cooking confession? You can always add more cheese and it will be fine!
I hope you have fun trying my chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet recipe! You won’t regret it!
Internal Links: Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne, Sausage Maple Waffle Bake
PrintChicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet Recipe
This Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a quick, easy, and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Here are three amazing tips to elevate this dish!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken sausage and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until orzo is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and cooked chicken sausage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.