Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

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I love meals that bring comfort, convenience, and bold flavor together in one skillet—and this Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet checks every box. The orzo soaks up all the rich, savory juices from the chicken sausage while the broccoli brings in a pop of color and texture. It’s one of those quick weeknight dishes that feels like it came from a cozy little bistro.

When I first put this recipe together, I was looking for something that balanced protein, veggies, and carbs without needing to make separate sides. The result? A one-pan powerhouse that’s ready in under 30 minutes and tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers every single time.

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

• One-pan magic – Fewer dishes, faster cleanup. That’s a win.
• Flavor-packed – The chicken sausage adds depth while the broccoli gives it a fresh crunch.
• Customizable – You can easily tweak the ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.
• Balanced meal – Protein, fiber, and carbs all in one simple skillet.
• Meal-prep friendly – Holds up beautifully for leftovers.

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What Kind of Chicken Sausage Should I Use?

The beauty of this recipe is how flexible the protein choice is. I usually go with a pre-cooked chicken sausage—something with a garlic and herb or Italian seasoning blend. They slice well, brown beautifully, and pair perfectly with the nutty orzo and slightly bitter broccoli. However, if you like things a bit spicy, opt for a hot or Cajun-style chicken sausage for a kick. If your sausage is raw, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.

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Options for Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient or need to make this dish work with what’s on hand. Here are a few solid swaps:

• Orzo → Swap with small pasta shapes like ditalini, couscous, or even rice (adjust cooking time).
• Chicken sausage → Turkey sausage, plant-based sausage, or cooked shredded chicken all work well.
• Broccoli → Try broccolini, asparagus, or zucchini—anything that holds up well with quick sautéing.
• Parmesan (if using) → Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free version).
• Olive oil → Any neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed will do just fine.

This skillet is easy to adapt, so you can mix and match based on your taste or pantry.

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Ingredients for This Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

Let’s break down why each component plays a key role in this dish:

• Chicken Sausage
  The star of the skillet. It brings seasoned, savory depth and satisfying bites of protein. Pre-cooked sausage also saves time.
• Orzo Pasta
  This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the juices and flavor from the sausage and broth, making each bite flavorful and cohesive.
• Broccoli Florets
  Adds a nutritious green crunch and a slightly bitter note that balances the richness of the sausage and pasta.
• Olive Oil
  Used to sauté the sausage and coat the orzo. It adds silkiness and helps develop golden edges on the sausage.
• Garlic
  A foundational flavor-builder. A quick sauté brings out its aromatic sweetness and infuses the whole skillet.
• Chicken Broth
  The cooking liquid for the orzo—it delivers savory depth and eliminates the need for draining. It also enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper
  Essential for seasoning every component as it cooks, ensuring the flavors pop.
• Grated Parmesan (optional)
  Adds a final hit of umami and creaminess. It’s optional, but highly recommended for richness.

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Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized rounds and add them to the pan. Cook until both sides are golden and slightly crisp—this caramelization boosts the overall flavor. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast Orzo

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the orzo. Toast the orzo for 2–3 minutes until some pieces turn lightly golden. This brings out a toasty, nutty flavor in the pasta.

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Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and stir occasionally, allowing the orzo to cook and absorb the liquid—this usually takes about 8–10 minutes.

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Step 4: Add Broccoli

When the orzo is about halfway cooked and still has some liquid left, stir in the broccoli florets. Cover the pan to let the broccoli steam for 3–5 minutes, just until tender but still vibrant and crisp.

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Step 5: Return Sausage to Skillet

Add the browned sausage back into the pan and gently mix it with the orzo and broccoli. Let everything heat through together for another 2–3 minutes.

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Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top just before serving.

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How Long to Cook the Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

This dish comes together quickly:

• Sautéing the sausage: 5–6 minutes
• Toasting orzo and garlic: 3–4 minutes
• Simmering orzo with broth: 8–10 minutes
• Steaming broccoli: 3–5 minutes
• Final toss with sausage: 2–3 minutes

Total time: Around 20–25 minutes from start to finish, depending on your stovetop and how tender you like your broccoli.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

• Use a wide skillet
  A large surface area ensures even cooking and gives space for the sausage to brown nicely without steaming.
• Don’t skip toasting the orzo
  It adds a nutty flavor and helps the pasta hold its shape better as it absorbs broth.
• Add broccoli halfway
  Adding it too early can lead to mushy, overcooked florets. Let it steam gently on top of the simmering orzo.
• Control the broth
  If the orzo absorbs all the liquid but still needs more cooking, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
• Taste before serving
  Sausage can vary in saltiness. Always taste before adding salt to ensure you don’t over-season.
• Finish with a drizzle of olive oil
  For a final touch of richness and a glossy finish, a quick drizzle just before serving makes a big difference.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pan
  If the sausage slices are too close together while browning, they’ll steam instead of caramelize. Give them space for that golden color.
• Undercooking the orzo
  Orzo should be tender with a slight bite—taste before turning off the heat. It can look done before it’s fully cooked.
• Adding broccoli too late or too early
  Too early and it turns to mush, too late and it stays raw. Drop it in once the orzo is halfway cooked so it can steam just right.
• Forgetting to stir
  Orzo tends to stick to the bottom of the pan. Stir occasionally to prevent burning or uneven cooking.
• Not adjusting liquid
  If your broth evaporates too quickly, don’t be afraid to add an extra splash. The orzo needs enough liquid to cook fully.

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What to Serve With Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet?

If you want to round out your meal or serve it alongside other dishes, here are some solid pairings:

Simple Green Salad

A lemon vinaigrette-dressed salad with arugula or mixed greens adds freshness and contrast.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Their burst of sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory sausage and balances the skillet.

Garlic Bread or Focaccia

Perfect for soaking up any leftover juices at the bottom of your skillet.

Burrata or Fresh Mozzarella

A creamy, cool addition that feels indulgent and contrasts the warmth of the dish.

Cucumber Yogurt Dip

Serve on the side for a refreshing and tangy bite that cools the palate.

A Crisp White Wine

Something like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well—dry and zippy against the richness of the orzo.

Roasted Veggies

Carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts roasted in olive oil and herbs can elevate the plate with extra veggies.

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Storage Instructions

This Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet holds up incredibly well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, which makes it even better the next day.
• Freezer: You can freeze it, though the texture of the orzo and broccoli may soften slightly upon reheating. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

If freezing, portion out individual servings to make reheating easier and avoid reheating the entire batch multiple times.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate for one serving (assuming the recipe yields 4 servings):

• Calories: 420–470 kcal
• Protein: 22–25g
• Carbohydrates: 38–42g
• Fat: 20–24g
• Fiber: 4–6g
• Sodium: 800–950mg (depending on sausage and broth used)

These numbers will vary based on the specific sausage brand, broth, and cheese (if added), but it’s a well-balanced, nutrient-packed meal either way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of orzo works best for this skillet?

Regular semolina orzo works perfectly, but whole wheat orzo is also a great option if you want to add more fiber. Avoid quick-cooking orzo, as it can get mushy in this dish.

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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Just skip the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds.

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Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. The spice level depends on the sausage you choose. Use a spicy chicken sausage if you want heat, or stick with a mild herb variety to keep it kid-friendly.

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Can I use frozen broccoli?

Definitely. Just thaw and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture. You might need to cook it slightly longer or sauté it separately to maintain its texture.

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What’s the best way to reheat this?

A skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth works best. It helps the orzo loosen up and prevents drying. Microwave works too, but stir frequently for even heating.

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Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a very large skillet or a Dutch oven to avoid crowding. You may need to slightly adjust cooking times, especially for the orzo.

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Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can cook the sausage and chop all veggies in advance. For the best texture, cook the orzo fresh, but the full dish also holds up well for meal prep.

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How do I keep the orzo from sticking?

Stir frequently while cooking and add extra broth if it starts to dry out too soon. A splash of olive oil at the end helps keep it loose and glossy.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet is everything I love in a dinner: fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s hearty enough for a satisfying meal but light enough that you won’t feel weighed down. Whether you’re cooking for one, a hungry family, or prepping lunches for the week, this dish brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that just makes sense. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again—and maybe even riffing on with your own favorite add-ins.

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