Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet has saved my weeknight dinner plans more times than I can count. You know that feeling when the evening sneaks up on you and the fridge just looks… uninspiring? That’s exactly where this meal steps in. It’s quick, it’s hearty, and it’s honestly way easier than explaining to your kids (or roommate, or spouse) why pizza is, uh, not a food group. You’ll have dinner ready way before anybody can start complaining. 
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Look, there’s something magic about tossing everything in one skillet then calling it a day. I first stumbled into the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet when I got bored with the regular rotation. Since then, I’m basically obsessed. The chicken sausage packs a ton of flavor. Broccoli sneaks in the veggies (no protests from picky eaters at my table, wild right?). Orzo cooks up tender and creamy, all in the same pan. No side dishes to fuss over. Plus, you can tweak things endlessly. And leftovers? Even better for lunch.
I recommended it to a friend who thought it sounded "too simple," but guess what—she texted me, “five-star restaurant meal at my kitchen table.” Okay, maybe dramatic, but you get the point!
I never thought I could enjoy broccoli this much! My family asks for this every week. Cleanup is a breeze and the taste is just unbeatable. — Jamie, busy mom of three.
How To Make Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
You really don’t need to be some kitchen wizard for this. Grab your favorite chicken sausage. Slice it. Sauté it in a big skillet for a few minutes until it just starts browning and smells kind of irresistible. Next, toss in chopped broccoli—bite-sized is key for fast cooking. After a minute or two, pour in some dry orzo (my shortcut: no need to pre-cook) and stir.
Now, dump in some chicken broth so the orzo can soak it all up. Simmer. Stir now and then. If you want it creamy, splash in a bit of milk or half and half at the end. I sometimes drop in a handful of cheese (totally optional, but oozy cheese makes life better). Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper or a squirt of lemon if you wanna get fancy.
You can find tweaking inspiration with skillet white pesto chicken and orzo recipe too—another one-pan wonder for busy nights. 
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here’s the scoop. The beauty of the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet is in its simplicity, but a couple tricks make it even better. Don’t skimp on browning the sausage first. That seriously boosts flavor. Use a big skillet so the orzo doesn’t get cramped and sticky. If your orzo sucks up broth too quickly and looks dry before it’s done, don’t freak out. Just splash in a bit more liquid—it’ll come together.
Cut broccoli small so it softens fast but doesn’t turn to mush. Oh, and add a splash of lemon at the end if you love a little zing. If you like creamy, a bit of grated cheese just melts right in. There are lots of ideas on a creamy broccoli chicken mac and cheese if you want other ways to sneak veggies into dinner.
Customize It
If you’re the type who gets bored eating the same thing twice, I totally get you. You can swap the chicken sausage for turkey sausage or even veggie sausage—honestly, anything you like works. Toss in a handful of spinach for more greens, or bell peppers for sweetness and color. Not a fan of orzo? Short pasta like ditalini or even rice is fair game here. Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap in a spicy sausage for a little kick. Sometimes I also throw in a handful of frozen peas at the last minute (nobody’s complained yet, even my “peas are gross” kid).
No worries if you’re short on time either, the meal is super forgiving. If you want more ideas for one-pan dishes that basically cook themselves, check out this easy keto hamburger and broccoli skillet recipe.
One-Pot Recipes
One-pot meals will save your sanity—no offense to people who enjoy a sink full of dishes, but that’s not me. The Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet ticks all the boxes for a real weeknight winner. It’s ready in one pan in less than thirty minutes, and you barely have to measure anything. I always keep my kitchen stocked with a couple packs of orzo and some sausage just for this reason.
If you want to master even more easy one-pan dinners, you’ve gotta try these ones: one skillet sun dried tomato chicken and gnocchi and sausage and apple skillet dinner. There are literally dozens of creative combos that don’t sacrifice flavor or require an hour of stirring. Seriously, if there was an Olympic event for minimal dish washing, I’d sign up.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet with a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
- Pair with crusty bread to scoop up the saucy bits—trust me, don’t skip this.
- A simple side salad turns it into a well-rounded meal in minutes.
- Leftovers? Add a little grated cheese and pop under the broiler for round two.
Common Questions
Does orzo need to be pre-cooked?
Nope. Just toss the dry orzo right in the skillet and it’ll soak up all the yummy flavors.
Can I make this with frozen broccoli?
Yep! Just toss it in straight from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes for it to warm through.
Is chicken sausage fully cooked?
Most are, but always check your package. Slicing and browning first always helps with the flavor anyway.
Can I use another noodle shape?
Totally. Try ditalini, small shells, or rice if orzo is out of stock.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Splash in a bit of broth or water before reheating so it stays moist. Microwave or pan, both work.
Ready To Make It? You’ll Regret Missing Out!
The Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again, especially once you see how easy it is to adapt. Honestly, if you like dinner that’s fast, tasty, and doesn’t eat up your whole night, this is it. Don’t forget to check out other ideas like cheesy sausage pasta skillet or a classic broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken if you wanna keep the one-pan vibe going. And if you want to see a totally different spin on this, the folks at Chicken Sausage, Broccoli, and Orzo Skillet – Lolo Home Kitchen have a great take. Plus check out slow cooker chicken and broccoli or skillet white pesto chicken and orzo recipe for more easy meals that won’t stress you out. Give this skillet a try and let me know how it goes. I bet it’ll end up a staple at your place too.
Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick, hearty one-pan meal featuring chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or half and half (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon juice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté the sliced chicken sausage over medium heat until browned and fragrant.
- Add chopped broccoli and cook for another minute or two.
- Stir in the dry orzo, then pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- If desired, add the milk or half and half for creaminess, and stir in cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve with lemon juice if desired.
Notes
Customize by substituting chicken sausage with turkey or veggie sausage and add any veggies you like. For a creamy texture, add cheese or milk at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg