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This Chicken Sausage, Broccoli and Orzo Skillet has become my weeknight dinner hero when I need something satisfying but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy orzo creates a complete meal that feels both comforting and nourishing.
I developed this recipe during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something nutritious that wouldn't keep me in the kitchen all evening. It's since become my most requested recipe when friends ask for easy dinner ideas.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: creates the foundation for flavor allowing the sausage to brown beautifully
- Smart Chicken Organic Spinach Asiago Sausage: adds protein and built in flavor making this dish special
- Fresh broccoli: provides color nutrition and a pleasing texture contrast to the soft orzo
- Kosher salt: essential for bringing out the flavors in each ingredient
- Black pepper: adds a gentle warmth that complements the sausage
- Minced garlic: infuses the entire dish with aromatic flavor look for fresh firm cloves
- Orzo pasta: absorbs all the delicious flavors while cooking choose a quality brand for best results
- Smart Chicken Organic Classic Bone Broth: creates richness and depth choose this over regular chicken stock if possible
- Parmesan cheese: brings everything together with its salty nutty finish always use freshly grated for best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the sliced chicken sausage in a single layer allowing space between pieces. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 3 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust before flipping each piece. Cook another minute on the other side. This browning creates flavor compounds that will infuse the entire dish.
- Add the Broccoli:
- Add chopped broccoli to the pan with the browned sausage. Season with a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to coat the broccoli in the oils and rendered fat from the sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally until the broccoli turns bright green and softens slightly but still maintains some bite. The broccoli should not be fully cooked at this stage.
- Toast the Orzo:
- Add the minced garlic and dry orzo pasta to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli. Stir continuously for about one minute to toast the orzo slightly and cook the raw flavor out of the garlic. This brief toasting adds a subtle nutty flavor to the orzo and prevents the garlic from burning. The orzo will begin to look slightly translucent around the edges.
- Simmer Everything Together:
- Pour in the chicken bone broth and stir well scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits contain concentrated flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid and allow everything to simmer for 10 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Check halfway through and stir once to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Once the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed remove the skillet from heat. Add the shredded parmesan cheese and stir gently to incorporate allowing the residual heat to melt it into a creamy sauce that coats everything. The cheese will continue to thicken as it stands for a minute or two. Serve immediately with additional parmesan for sprinkling if desired.
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The bone broth is truly my secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its richness by accident when I ran out of regular stock one evening and had to substitute. The depth of flavor it adds is remarkable and makes the dish taste like it took much longer to prepare than it actually did.
Storage and Reheating
This skillet meal stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits so when reheating you may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until just warmed through. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight making this an excellent make ahead option.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe welcomes many adaptations based on what you have available. Any precooked sausage works well including Italian chicken turkey or even vegetarian options. For the vegetables cauliflower asparagus or kale can replace or supplement the broccoli. No orzo? Small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice work beautifully. If you dont have bone broth regular chicken stock with a teaspoon of butter added will provide a similar richness.
Making It Your Own
The basic formula of this dish protein vegetable pasta opens up endless possibilities for customization. Try adding a handful of sun dried tomatoes and some fresh basil at the end for an Italian twist. For a spicier version use andouille sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also make it creamier by stirring in a splash of heavy cream along with the cheese. Each variation keeps the meal interesting while maintaining its quick and easy preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use your preferred sausage type, like turkey, pork, or plant-based. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the dish.
- → What can I substitute for broccoli?
If you don't have broccoli, try using green beans, asparagus, or zucchini for a similar result.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta like couscous or ditalini can work well, but cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.