Whip Up a Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet Tonight!

Get ready to experience a mouthwatering, one-pan wonder with our Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet! This easy-to-make dish is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and nutty orzo pasta in a flavorful skillet. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal on the table in no time.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Recipe

The Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet is a well-balanced and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of savory chicken sausage, nutrient-rich broccoli, and the comforting texture of orzo pasta creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This one-pan meal is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

The Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can have a wholesome and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The one-pan cooking method means less cleanup, freeing up your time to enjoy the company of your loved ones or just relax after a long day.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

This Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients. Chicken sausage provides a lean protein source, while broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Orzo, a type of small, rice-shaped pasta, offers complex carbohydrates to fuel your body. Together, these ingredients create a well-balanced meal that nourishes your body and satisfies your taste buds.

Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

• 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of the Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet is its versatility. If you don’t have chicken sausage on hand, you can substitute it with turkey sausage or even ground Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, swap the sausage for diced tofu or chickpeas. You can also play with the vegetables, using cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers in place of broccoli. The possibilities are endless!

Importance of Fresh Ingredients

When it comes to the Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet, using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the best possible flavor. Opt for juicy, plump chicken sausage, crisp broccoli florets, and fragrant garlic and onions. The better the ingredients, the more delicious your final dish will be.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat Oil

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will set the stage for searing the chicken sausage and sautéing the veggies.

Cook Sausage

Add the sliced chicken sausage to the hot skillet and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, reserving the flavorful drippings in the skillet.

Sauté Veggies

In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. This step will infuse your dish with the aromatic foundations of the recipe.

Add Broccoli & Orzo

Toss the broccoli florets and orzo pasta into the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated with the flavorful oil and sautéed onions and garlic.

Add Broth & Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the orzo simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Cook

During the simmering process, the orzo will absorb the flavorful broth, creating a creamy, comforting texture that perfectly complements the tender broccoli and sausage.

Return Sausage

Once the orzo is cooked, stir the reserved chicken sausage back into the skillet, ensuring everything is heated through and evenly distributed.

Serve

Serve the Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this delightful one-pan wonder!

Tips for Perfecting Your Skillet Dish

Cooking Techniques for Best Results

To ensure your Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet turns out perfectly, be sure to brown the sausage thoroughly and sauté the vegetables until they’re fragrant and translucent. This will help develop the flavors and create a more cohesive dish. Additionally, be mindful not to overcook the orzo, as you want it to maintain a tender, al dente texture.

Adjusting Seasoning to Taste

Remember, the beauty of home cooking is the ability to adjust the seasoning to your personal preferences. Feel free to add a pinch more salt or a generous grind of black pepper to suit your taste buds. You can also experiment with herbs, such as fresh thyme or rosemary, to elevate the flavors even further.

Serving Suggestions

The Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet is a satisfying, one-dish meal, but you can always pair it with a fresh salad or a crusty piece of bread for a more substantial dinner. For a pop of color and texture, consider topping the skillet with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.

Nutritional Information

Calories and Macronutrients

A serving of the Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet contains approximately 400 calories, with a balanced macronutrient profile of 35g of carbohydrates, 25g of protein, and 15g of fat. This makes it a hearty and satisfying meal that will keep you feeling full and energized.

Vitamins and Minerals

This dish is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, thanks to the broccoli and chicken sausage. You’ll find generous amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and calcium, as well as smaller amounts of iron, potassium, and magnesium. The combination of nutrients makes the Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet a nutritious and well-balanced meal.

Health Benefits of Each Ingredient

Chicken sausage provides lean protein to support muscle growth and maintenance, while broccoli is a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Orzo, being a form of pasta, offers complex carbohydrates to fuel your body. Together, these ingredients work synergistically to promote overall health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long to cook chicken sausage on a skillet?

For the Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet, you’ll want to cook the chicken sausage slices for about 5 minutes in the skillet, or until they’re nicely browned on the outside. This helps develop the flavor and ensure the sausage is cooked through.

Can you cook raw chicken and sausage in the same pan?

Yes, you can absolutely cook raw chicken and sausage together in the same pan for this Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet recipe. The key is to make sure the chicken sausage is cooked through before adding the other ingredients to the skillet.

How long should chicken sausages be cooked for?

For the Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet, the chicken sausage slices should be cooked for about 5 minutes in the skillet, or until they’re nicely browned on the outside and cooked through. This ensures the sausage is fully heated and ready to be incorporated into the rest of the dish.

What goes with chicken sausage for dinner?

The Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet is a complete and satisfying one-pan meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a more substantial dinner. The sausage, broccoli, and orzo combination is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta
• Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
• Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls

Conclusion

The Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet is a delightful one-pan wonder that delivers on both flavor and convenience. With its perfectly cooked chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy orzo, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Whip up this easy-to-prepare meal and enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors in no time. Get ready to savor the goodness of this Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet!

For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.

Print