Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet

This Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet is a quick, comforting one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. With tender orzo, savory chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli all cooked together in a light, flavorful broth, it’s the kind of dish I turn to when I need something fast, hearty, and satisfying—without a sink full of dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how everything comes together in one skillet—minimal mess, maximum flavor. The chicken sausage adds that savory, smoky punch, the orzo gives the dish a creamy, risotto-like texture, and the broccoli brings in freshness and color. It’s balanced, cozy, and ready in under 30 minutes. This is one of those meals that feels like comfort food but still keeps things light and wholesome.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken sausage, sliced (fully cooked)

• Orzo pasta

• Broccoli florets, chopped small

• Garlic, minced

• Olive oil

• Chicken broth

• Onion, diced

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Lemon juice (optional)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. I sauté the diced onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

3. I add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until it browns slightly, about 4–5 minutes.

4. I stir in the orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes before pouring in the chicken broth.

5. I bring it to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. I add the chopped broccoli in the last 4–5 minutes of cooking so it steams in the pan and stays crisp-tender.

7. Once the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed, I finish it with Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want some spice.

8. I stir everything together and serve warm, straight from the skillet.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes roughly 25–30 minutes total—5–10 minutes of prep and 15–20 minutes of cooking.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the broccoli for spinach, kale, or zucchini depending on what I have. For a creamier texture, I stir in a splash of cream or an extra handful of cheese. When I want a different flavor profile, I use spicy Italian chicken sausage or add sun-dried tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken sausage?

Yes, but I make sure to cook it fully before adding the orzo and broth. Sliced cooked sausage just saves time.

What’s the best way to keep the orzo from sticking?

I stir frequently during cooking and add a bit more broth if it gets too dry. Toasting the orzo at the beginning also helps with texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use a gluten-free orzo or small pasta alternative. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely. The flavors are mild, and the orzo has a creamy texture that’s easy to eat. I skip the red pepper flakes if serving to kids.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, I swap the chicken sausage for plant-based sausage or white beans and use veggie broth. It still turns out delicious and hearty.

Conclusion

This Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet is one of those comforting meals I can count on for a quick, satisfying dinner. It’s simple, flavorful, and comes together in one pan—perfect for those nights when I want something wholesome without a lot of work. Once I made it, it became a regular in my weeknight dinner rotation.