Last night, I was racing against the clock, trying to whip up something satisfying before soccer practice. You know those evenings, right? When you need dinner done, like, yesterday? That’s when this recipe for chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet saved the day. Honestly, it’s become a weeknight lifesaver in our house. Picture this: tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli florets all mingling together in a light, flavorful sauce. The best part? It’s all made in one skillet, which means fewer dishes! And who doesn’t love that?
My kids, who can be surprisingly picky, devour this every time. My husband always jokes that I should open a restaurant serving just this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet. He loves the hearty combination of flavors and the fact that it’s not too heavy. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies without complaint. Plus, the minimal cleanup is a huge bonus for busy weeknights!
I remember the first time I made this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet. I was trying to recreate a dish I had at a local Italian restaurant, and after a few tries, I finally nailed it. Now, it’s a regular on our dinner rotation. It’s even perfect for those “clean out the fridge” nights because you can easily swap in different veggies or cheeses based on what you have on hand. Even better is the minimal effort it takes to create this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet. Even on the busiest weeknights, this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet comes together in under 30 minutes.
It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and wholesome, and I love that I can feel good about serving it to my family. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the key to a great skillet dish is to not overcrowd the pan. It allows everything to cook evenly and prevents the ingredients from steaming instead of browning. And trust me, a little browning adds so much flavor! This chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet has become a go-to meal for my family, and it will become a go-to dish for yours too. I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house!
Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet. Don’t worry if you don’t have every single ingredient on hand; this recipe is very flexible!
- 1 pound chicken sausage, removed from casings I usually opt for sweet Italian chicken sausage. It offers a subtle sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully. But spicy Italian chicken sausage works great too, if you like a little kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity undertone, but any cooking oil you have will work fine.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Yellow or white onion will work! If you’re in a pinch, even a shallot will add a nice, mild flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is best, but if you only have garlic powder, you can use about 1/2 teaspoon. I always add my garlic towards the end of sauteing the onions because I’ve burned it too many times to count!
- 1 cup orzo pasta I prefer regular orzo, but whole wheat orzo will work too. Just keep in mind that it may require a little more cooking time.
- 2 cups chicken broth Low-sodium is always a good choice to control the saltiness of the dish.
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen broccoli florets will work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated Parmesan is always best. It melts beautifully and adds a nutty, salty flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste Always season to taste! I start with a 1/4 teaspoon of each and then adjust as needed.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat If you like a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
When shopping for the chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet, I often buy the chicken sausage in bulk from Costco and freeze it in smaller portions. It saves money and ensures I always have some on hand. I’ve also found that using a good quality chicken broth really makes a difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
For the orzo, I typically just buy whatever brand is on sale. The orzo from the store brand works just as well in the chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet. As for the cheese, if you don’t have parmesan, feel free to substitute it with another type of cheese, like mozzarella or provolone. This chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet is a very forgiving dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage, removed from its casings, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently so that the sausage doesn’t burn.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! I learned this the hard way, so now I add it right before I add the broth.
- Toast the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. This helps to toast the orzo and gives it a nutty flavor. This small step really elevates the flavor of this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Make sure you’re stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook, covered, for another 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. I personally like my broccoli to have a slight crunch, but you can cook it longer if you prefer it softer. Also, make sure to test the orzo so that it’s not too crunchy either.
- Stir in cheese and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if you’d like a touch of heat.
- Rest and enjoy: Let the chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Then, serve immediately and enjoy! I let it rest for a few minutes – I learned this the hard way when I served it too soon and it fell apart!
And there you have it! A delicious and easy chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe to your liking. My family loves this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet, and I know yours will too! My husband always asks me to make extra because he loves the leftovers for lunch. This entire dish becomes even better with practice.
Serving Ideas
Now that your chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet is ready, let’s talk about serving it up! In our house, we keep it pretty simple, but there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking.
We often serve this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet as a complete meal on its own. It has protein, carbs, and veggies all in one pan, so it’s a convenient and balanced dinner option. But sometimes, we like to add a little something extra. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to add some freshness and acidity to the meal. We also love serving it with some crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious sauce. The kids always fight over who gets the crispiest pieces of bread!
For presentation, I like to sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, on top. It makes the dish look more appealing and adds a pop of flavor. I like to sprinkle fresh herbs on top – it makes it look so much fancier! This chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet has become our go-to for Sunday dinners with the grandparents. Everyone enjoys it!
This recipe says it serves 6, but in our house it barely feeds 4 hungry people! My daughter always asks for extra sauce on her portion. If we somehow have leftovers, they make the best lunch the next day. Just reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet with a little bit of broth to prevent them from drying out. You can also add a fried egg on top for a more substantial meal. The yolk adds richness and flavor. This chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet is a big hit! I even sometimes serve it as a side dish for potlucks.
FAQs
Got questions about this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet? Here are some common ones I get asked all the time.
- Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! I usually use sweet Italian chicken sausage, but you can use any type of sausage you like. Spicy Italian, kielbasa, or even chorizo would be delicious. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the sausage is cooked through. The chicken sausage and broccoli pasta turns out to be a different yet delicious dish with these variations.
- Can I substitute the broccoli for another vegetable? Of course! Feel free to use any vegetable you have on hand. Asparagus, peas, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would all work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Any kind of mixed vegetables would make this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet an incredibly delicious dish to create.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can! Simply omit the sausage and add some extra vegetables. You could also add some beans or lentils for protein.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? While orzo is my favorite for this dish, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet with a little bit of broth.
- Can I freeze this dish? I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the orzo can become mushy when thawed. However, if you do freeze it, make sure to use an airtight container and thaw it completely before reheating.
- What if my orzo is not cooked by the time the broth is absorbed? Add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and continue simmering until the orzo is tender. I’ve definitely overcooked this before – here’s how to avoid that! It’s also important to avoid burning the bottom of the pan during the cooking process of this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet.
- What kind of skillet works best? Use a nonstick skillet, if you have one available. If not, make sure you’re keeping up with stirring the dish so that it doesn’t burn on the bottom.
- Can I add cheese other than parmesan to this dish? Yes, you can add any kind of cheese that you like! Provolone and mozzarella are also great options for this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! A quick, easy, and delicious chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do. This recipe has become a staple in our house. It’s also become a go-to one-pan meal.
Here are a few final tips to keep in mind:
- Always use high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish. I shop at Sprouts to get fresh ingredients to add to this dish.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking. Add more vegetables, use a different type of sausage, or try a different cheese.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes I learned this the hard way when I served it too soon and it fell apart! Resting the dish will help meld the flavors together.
My son loves it with extra cheese, while my daughter prefers it plain. However you make this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet, I’m sure that your family will love it!
Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family. Drop me a comment to let me know what you think! Or if you want more delicious meals try my chicken marsala orzo recipe. You could also check out my balsamic chicken veggie orzo recipe.
Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! Now, you can create a one pan orzo dish with these easy steps!
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