Description
Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet – Quick and comforting one-pot meal with juicy chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and flavorful orzo. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish tonight!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1½ cups (270g) uncooked orzo pasta
- 3½ cups (830ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups (280g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet (12-inch preferably) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and once shimmering, add the sliced chicken sausage in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and brown the other side for another 2 minutes. The goal is to develop rich caramelization that will flavor the entire **Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet**. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the sausage. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Step 3: Add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This enhances the pasta’s nutty flavor and helps maintain its texture during cooking. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any stuck bits.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Add another cup of broth and continue cooking for 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Add the broccoli florets, remaining broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine, then return the browned sausage to the pan. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the orzo is cooked through but still slightly al dente.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese until well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Your **Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet** is ready to serve straight from the pan for a rustic presentation that showcases its beautiful components.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380 calories per serving
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 38 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 22 grams
- Cholesterol: 60 mg