Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet
A hearty one-skillet meal featuring chicken sausage, vibrant broccoli, and comforting orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken sausage slice into ½-inch rounds for even cooking
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully
- 4 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating
- 1 medium onion diced, about 1 cup, adds sweetness and depth
- 3 cloves garlic minced to enhance aroma and flavor
- 2.5 cups chicken broth provides moisture and rich flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning a blend of herbs that complements the sausage
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for adding heat
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess when melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice brightens the dish
- to taste salt and black pepper for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Sausage
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned on both sides.
- Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Sautéing Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil followed by diced onion.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic along with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using; cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cooking Orzo
- Add uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet with onions and garlic; toast it lightly by stirring frequently for about 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
- Pour in chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring this mixture to a simmer.
Combining Ingredients
- Lower heat to medium-low after it reaches a simmer; cover the skillet and let it cook for about 8 minutes allowing orzo to absorb most of the liquid.
- Once time is up, add broccoli florets back along with browned chicken sausage; stir everything together before covering again.
- Cook covered for another 4-5 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp yet vibrant in color while orzo has soaked up more broth.
Final Touches
- Remove from heat then stir in grated Parmesan cheese alongside fresh lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
To store leftovers, let cool to room temperature then transfer to an airtight container. Lasts up to three days in the refrigerator. Can also freeze for up to three months in meal-sized portions.