Savory Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet Dinner

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo has been my answer to the 6 pm question of what on earth do I make for dinner when I’m tired and the fridge looks sleepy. If you’re juggling work, kids, or just want a calm evening, this skillet saves the day without asking for much. It’s quick, comforting, and friendly to whatever you’ve got in the pantry. The best part is that it tastes like something you fussed over, but it honestly comes together in one pan. I make it all the time, and my family is happy every single time. Let me show you how I build it for big flavor and very little effort.

Why Youll Love This Recipe

First things first, this is a one-pan situation with real flavor. The orzo cooks right in the broth, so it soaks up all the goodness from the chicken sausage and garlic. You get tender broccoli, silky pasta, and those little crispy bits from the skillet that make you want seconds. The name kind of says it all: Savory Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet Dinner. It’s hearty without being heavy and tastes like comfort you can make any night of the week.

I love this dish because it’s flexible. Swap the sausage, use frozen broccoli, add lemon zest if you’re feeling bright, or sprinkle parmesan to make it lush. It’s also super friendly for meal prep. I’ve packed it in lunch containers and it reheats like a champ.

Here’s what else you’ll appreciate:

• Weeknight fast: on the table in about 30 minutes.
• Fewer dishes: one skillet to cook and one plate to eat.
• Balanced: protein, veggies, and carbs in every forkful.
• Kid approved: mild, cozy flavors with room to add spice for the grown ups.
• Budget friendly: simple, accessible ingredients that stretch.

“This became our surprise favorite. My husband asked if I could make it again the next day, which never happens. It tastes like a hug.”

How To Make Chicken Orzo Skillet with Broccoli

This is my simple, reliable method. If you’ve got a big skillet and a wooden spoon, you’re set. I’ll keep it short and sweet, but still detailed enough so you feel confident.

What you’ll need

• 1 pound fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced into coins
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 2 to 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups small broccoli florets, fresh or thawed frozen
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons butter or a splash of cream, optional for extra richness

Step by step

• Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and the sliced chicken sausage. Sear until it browns at the edges. Scoot it to the side.
• Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook until soft, then stir in garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing.
• Pour in the dry orzo. Toast it for a minute or two, stirring often. This adds a nutty taste.
• Stir in 2 cups of broth, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Fold in the broccoli. If using fresh, chop it small so it cooks fast. If frozen, thaw and drain first.
• Simmer, stirring now and then, until the orzo is tender. Add splashes of extra broth as needed so it stays creamy, not dry.
• Finish with lemon zest, lemon juice, parmesan, and butter or cream if you want it extra cozy.
• Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot with extra parmesan and a squeeze of lemon over the top.

Tip for timing: if your orzo is getting thick before it’s tender, add a bit more broth and keep it at a gentle simmer. You’re looking for a creamy, risotto like texture that still holds its shape.

If you love easy veggie sides, these baked broccoli cheese balls are a great add on for a bigger spread.

Once you try this method, you’ll see why I keep calling it my weeknight helper. I come back to this Savory Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet Dinner again and again because it never fails.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Simple tricks for better flavor

• Brown the sausage well. Color equals flavor. Don’t rush the first few minutes.
• Toast the orzo. A quick toast unlocks a deeper taste and helps it hold texture.
• Cut broccoli small. Bite size florets cook fast and evenly in the skillet.
• Season in layers. Salt the onions, then check seasoning again right before serving.
• Add lemon at the end. Acid brightens everything. A little zest goes a long way.
• Manage the liquid. Think creamy, not soupy. Add broth gradually near the end.
• Make it a full meal. Stir in baby spinach during the last minute until it wilts.
• For crispy topping. Broil the skillet for 1 minute with extra parmesan and breadcrumbs.

Feeling cozy and carby tonight? Try pairing this with a tray of baked chicken tacos for a casual gathering. It’s comfort food without a lot of fuss, just like this Savory Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet Dinner.

How to Make Other Substitutions

I switch things up depending on what’s in the fridge. This recipe is forgiving and plays well with swaps. Here are the ones I use most:

Protein and pasta swaps

Use turkey sausage, Italian sausage, or even chopped rotisserie chicken if you have some leftover. If you need a vegetarian route, go with plant based sausage or add a can of drained white beans. For pasta, orzo is classic, but small shapes like ditalini or even pearl couscous can work. Adjust liquid and cook time since different shapes soak up broth differently.

Gluten free? Try gluten free orzo or a small rice shape. Add broth slowly and taste as you go. The texture should stay silky, not gummy.

Veggie swaps

Asparagus tips, peas, chopped zucchini, or a spinach and kale mix all taste great here. Add softer greens near the end so they don’t overcook. If you love a double broccoli moment, add a scoop of broccoli pesto before serving for extra green goodness.

Flavor changes

Crave more heat? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a swirl of Calabrian chili. Want it creamier? Add an extra knob of butter or a splash of half and half. For a garlicky punch, grate in a small clove right at the finish so it stays bright. Fresh herbs are the cherry on top: parsley for freshness, basil for summer vibes, or chives for a mild onion note.

All of these still keep the soul of a Savory Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet Dinner. It’s flexible without losing that cozy, skillet cooked charm.

How to Store and Reheat This Orzo Skillet

Cool leftovers before you pack them up. I store portions in airtight containers for easy lunches. Orzo keeps its bite nicely, and the broccoli stays tender without turning mushy if you don’t overcook it on day one.

Storage and reheating basics

• Fridge: up to 4 days in sealed containers.
• Freezer: up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
• Reheat: add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave in short bursts or warm gently in a skillet over medium low.
• Finish: brighten with fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parmesan before serving.

If you like batch cooking, this sits nicely next to something like a cozy forgotten chicken and rice for a week of easy meals. I do this on Sundays and feel ridiculously proud of myself on Wednesday nights.

Food safety note: if it sat out for more than two hours at room temp, I let it go. Better safe than sorry.

When I reheat this Savory Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet Dinner, I always add a squeeze of lemon at the end to make it taste like I just cooked it.

Common Questions

Can I use raw chicken sausage?

Yes, just cook it through first before adding the onions. Break it up or slice after it cooks. Make sure there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

What if my orzo is sticking?

Reduce the heat a bit, add a splash of broth, and scrape the bottom gently with a wooden spoon. Stir more often in the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I make it dairy free?

Absolutely. Skip the butter and cheese. Use extra olive oil at the end and a little nutritional yeast for a savory note.

How do I keep the broccoli bright?

Add it a few minutes after the orzo starts simmering so it finishes cooking at the same time. Small florets help keep it crisp tender.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a wider skillet or a Dutch oven. You may need a touch more broth. Stir often to prevent sticking.

Let’s Wrap It Up With a Warm Plate

On busy weeknights, this Savory Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet Dinner is my calm in the storm. It’s simple, flexible, and full of flavor that hits every time. If you want more inspiration, I love how the Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet from Lolo Home Kitchen lays things out, and the Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet with Broccoli by Julia Pacheco has great budget friendly vibes. Give this a try tonight and tell me how it goes. I think it’ll become your go to, just like it did for me and my family.

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