Chicken Orzo Skillet

This Chicken Sausage, Broccoli and Orzo Skillet has turned into my go-to dinner savior for busy nights when I want something tasty but can't spend forever cooking. The mix of flavorful chicken sausage, crisp-tender broccoli, and soft orzo makes a full meal that's both cozy and healthy.

I came up with this dish during a super busy week when I needed good food that wouldn't keep me tied to the stove all night. Now it's the first thing friends ask me for when they need quick dinner ideas.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: forms the tasty base that helps the sausage get nice and brown
• Smart Chicken Organic Spinach Asiago Sausage: brings protein and amazing taste that makes this dish stand out
• Fresh broccoli: adds brightness, good nutrients and a nice crunch against the soft pasta
• Kosher salt: pulls out all the yummy tastes from the other ingredients
• Black pepper: gives a subtle kick that works well with the meat
• Minced garlic: spreads wonderful smell and flavor throughout, grab plump fresh cloves
• Orzo pasta: soaks up all the tasty juices while it cooks, go for a good brand for best results
• Smart Chicken Organic Classic Bone Broth: makes everything richer and deeper, better than normal chicken stock
• Parmesan cheese: ties everything together with its salty, nutty finish, always grate it fresh

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Pour a good splash of olive oil into a big skillet over medium high heat until it glistens but isn't smoking. Put the sliced chicken sausage in without crowding the pan. Let them sit untouched for 2 3 minutes till they get a nice golden crust, then flip each piece. Cook about a minute more on the other side. This browning adds tons of flavor that'll spread through the whole dish.

Add the Broccoli:

Toss the chopped broccoli into the pan with your nicely browned sausage. Sprinkle with a good pinch of kosher salt and some fresh ground black pepper. Mix everything so the broccoli gets coated in the tasty oils from the sausage. Cook for around 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the broccoli turns bright green and softens a bit but still has some crunch. Don't cook it completely yet.

Toast the Orzo:

Throw in the minced garlic and dry orzo pasta with your sausage and broccoli. Keep stirring for about a minute to lightly toast the orzo and cook away the raw garlic taste. This quick toasting gives the orzo a slight nutty flavor and keeps the garlic from burning. You'll notice the orzo starts looking a bit see-through at the edges.

Simmer Everything Together:

Add the chicken bone broth and stir well, making sure to scrape up any stuck bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits pack tons of flavor. Let it come to a gentle bubble, then turn the heat down low. Cover the pan tightly and let everything simmer for 10 15 minutes until the orzo gets tender and drinks up most of the liquid. Check and stir once halfway to stop anything from sticking.

Finish with Cheese:

When the orzo is soft and most of the liquid is gone, take the pan off the heat. Mix in the shredded parmesan cheese with a gentle stir, letting the leftover heat melt it into a creamy coating over everything. The cheese will get thicker as it sits for a minute or two. Serve right away, with extra parmesan for sprinkling if you want.

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The bone broth is really the hidden gem in this dish. I found out how amazing it is by chance when I ran out of regular stock one night and had to use what I had. The flavor it adds is incredible and makes everything taste like it took hours to cook instead of minutes.

Storage and Reheating

This skillet dinner keeps really well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo will soak up more liquid as it sits, so when you warm it up, you might want to add a little water or broth to make it less sticky. Warm it up slowly on the stove or in the microwave just until it's hot. The flavors actually get better overnight, so it's perfect for making ahead.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch up this recipe a lot based on what's in your kitchen. Any precooked sausage works great, like Italian chicken, turkey, or even meat-free options. For veggies, try cauliflower, asparagus, or kale instead of or along with the broccoli. No orzo around? Small pasta like ditalini or even plain rice work just fine. If you can't find bone broth, normal chicken stock with a teaspoon of butter will give you almost the same rich taste.

Making It Your Own

The simple formula of this meal meat, veggie, pasta gives you so many ways to change it up. Try adding a handful of sun dried tomatoes and some fresh basil at the end for an Italian feel. Want something spicier? Use andouille sausage and throw in some red pepper flakes. You can make it more creamy by adding a splash of heavy cream with the cheese. Each different version keeps meals exciting while still being quick and simple to make.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap out the sausage?

Yeah, feel free to use turkey, pork, or even plant-based sausage. Just make sure the sausage is fully cooked before adding it.

→ What can I use instead of broccoli?

Try using other veggies like green beans, zucchini, or asparagus if broccoli’s not available.

→ How do I make this vegetarian?

Swap the chicken sausage for a plant-based version and replace chicken broth with veggie broth—it’s just as tasty!

→ Can I change the pasta type?

Sure thing! Use small pasta like ditalini or couscous. Just watch the clock as cooking times might differ.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Pop leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Heat it up on a stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.