Description
Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet: Quick and comforting one-pan meal with savory sausage, tender broccoli, and hearty orzo. Crowd-pleasing dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 4 cups (280g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cups (300g) orzo pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups (720ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional)
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on most sides. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and beginning to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics. Toast the orzo for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to turn lightly golden.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Add the Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 8 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the broccoli florets on top of the simmering orzo, cover the skillet, and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp and most of the liquid has been absorbed by the orzo.
- Step 6: Return the browned sausage to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and Parmesan cheese until well incorporated. Cook for 2-3 minutes more until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving your complete one-pot meal.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 400 calories per serving
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 mg