Oh, let me tell you about my go-to weeknight lifesaver: the Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet! It’s the kind of dish that makes me feel like a superhero in the kitchen—even after a long day. I love how everything cooks together in one pan, which means less cleanup (yay!). This meal is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for those busy nights when I want something hearty but don’t have the energy for a big production. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced (any flavor you love!)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, your pick!)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought works great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet comes together so beautifully, you’ll think you’re a pro chef in no time. Just follow these steps, and I promise it’ll be a hit!
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Start by heating up a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Preheating the skillet is super important because it gets the oil nice and hot, which helps everything cook evenly and gives you that delicious, golden-brown color. Trust me, you want that sizzle!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step is key for building flavor—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 3: Brown the Chicken Sausage
Next up, add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned. This browning adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish truly stand out—don’t skip it!
Step 4: Add Orzo
Now, stir in the orzo pasta and let it cook for about a minute. This step helps the orzo absorb some of the yummy flavors from the skillet before we add the liquid. It’s all about layering those flavors, my friend!
Step 5: Incorporate Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This is where the magic happens! The orzo will start cooking in the broth, soaking up all that delicious flavor, so don’t rush this part.
Step 6: Add Broccoli
Once it’s boiling, toss in the broccoli florets. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer for about 10-12 minutes. This cooking time is crucial to ensure that the orzo is tender and the broccoli is perfectly cooked—bright green and slightly crisp!
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Finally, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper just before serving! A little seasoning can elevate the flavors to a whole new level. Give everything a gentle stir, and you’re ready to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy one-pan meal—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with juicy chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and tender orzo.
- Healthy and satisfying, with lots of protein and fiber.
- Minimal cleanup—just one skillet to wash!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and sausage flavors.
Tips for Success
To make your Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, choose high-quality chicken sausage for maximum flavor—don’t shy away from trying different varieties like apple or spicy. Fresh broccoli is best, but frozen will work in a pinch; just adjust the cooking time. When adding the chicken broth, feel free to use homemade for an extra depth of flavor. And remember, tasting as you go is key! If it needs a little extra seasoning, don’t hesitate to add it. You’ll be amazed at how these little tweaks can elevate your dish!
Nutritional Information
Wondering about the numbers behind this delicious Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving, based on typical ingredients:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But hey, it’s always nice to know you’re getting a wholesome meal packed with protein and fiber, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! You can switch up the chicken sausage for any other sausage you like, whether it’s turkey, pork, or even a spicy Italian sausage for a kick! Just keep in mind that the cooking times might vary slightly depending on the type of sausage you choose. It’s all about making this Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet your own!
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
If you’re looking to go meat-free, no problem! Just swap the chicken sausage for a plant-based sausage or even some hearty mushrooms for that umami flavor. You can also add in more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to keep it colorful and nutritious. This dish is super flexible!
Can I meal prep this dish?
You bet! This Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet is perfect for meal prepping. Just make a big batch and divide it into individual containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop—just add a splash of broth to keep it from drying out!
What can I serve with this dish?
This skillet dish is pretty much a complete meal, but if you want to amp up your dinner experience, consider pairing it with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover broth. A sprinkle of parmesan on top just before serving also adds a nice touch!
How long does it last in the fridge?
Leftovers of this tasty Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go for those busy days ahead!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet, consider serving it with a crisp, refreshing salad—something like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works wonders. A side of warm, crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For tips on cooking with orzo, visit The Spruce Eats.
Print
Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet for Busy Weeknights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and easy one-pan dish featuring chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add chicken sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in orzo and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add broccoli, cover, and reduce heat to simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Use any preferred chicken sausage flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on orzo package instructions.
- Can substitute broccoli with other vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Skillet, one-pan meal, quick dinner