Sometimes dinner sneaks up on you, doesn’t it? One minute you’re convinced the leftover yogurt in the fridge will do just fine, and the next, your stomach is staging a protest. That’s when I reach for this chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet. It’s hearty, but not heavy. It’s quick, but not boring. And best of all, it uses a few things I almost always have tucked away in the fridge and pantry. We’ve got savory chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and that tiny pasta that always feels like a cozy middle ground between rice and noodles. Orzo is underrated, don’t you think? It soaks up all the flavor in the pan, and in this case, it clings to every bit of garlic, broth, and Parmesan we toss at it. I like recipes that don’t make me chase ten different pots around the stove. Everything here cooks in one skillet. It’s the kind of dinner that tastes like you tried harder than you actually did, which, honestly, is the dream. If you’re looking for sausage and orzo recipe ideas, craving Italian chicken sausage recipes, or just love simple sausage and chicken recipes, this one should be on your shortlist. It fits right in with all the cozy orzo chicken recipes, chicken and orzo recipes, and orzo and chicken recipes we come back to again and again.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet Recipe
3) Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet
4) How to Make Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet
5) Tips for Making Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet
6) Making Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet
8) Try these skillet dinners next!
9) Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Chicken sausage recipes make weeknight dinners quick and satisfying.
This skillet combines orzo pasta, broccoli, and chicken sausage in one pan.
The dish is easy to adapt with vegetables or spices you already have.
Perfect for busy evenings when you want flavor without fuss.

2) Easy Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet Recipe

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve relied on chicken sausage recipes to save dinner. There’s something comforting about knowing I can toss a few good ingredients into one skillet and call it a night. This recipe isn’t fussy, and it doesn’t pretend to be fancy. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and it’s the sort of thing you’ll want to scoop into a big bowl and eat with a spoon while standing by the stove.

Orzo makes this skillet feel cozy in a way that rice sometimes can’t. It soaks up broth like a sponge and gives every bite a bit of chew. Pair that with the snap of broccoli and the savory bite of sausage, and suddenly dinner feels satisfying without a lot of effort. Trust me, this dish has become part of my regular rotation.

If you’ve been hunting for an easy sausage and orzo recipe, you’ll find that this one does the trick. It sits comfortably with Italian chicken sausage recipes, as well as other sausage and chicken recipes that lean on pantry basics. The balance of flavors makes it a favorite in my house.

3) Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

Chicken Sausage: I like to slice it into rounds so it browns evenly and looks good scattered through the orzo. Use whatever brand you like, though Italian-style works best here.

Orzo Pasta: This small pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors from the skillet. It’s the base of the dish and the reason each spoonful feels hearty.

Broccoli Florets: Bright, green, and tender when cooked just right. They add freshness and a little crunch to balance the sausage.

Onion: A diced onion softens into sweetness, adding depth to the base of the skillet.

Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, minced, and cooked until fragrant. It ties the whole dish together.

Chicken Broth: This liquid cooks the orzo and infuses it with savory flavor. Low-sodium works well so you can control the seasoning.

Parmesan Cheese: A final sprinkle of Parmesan melts into the skillet, turning the orzo creamy and irresistible.

Olive Oil: It helps brown the sausage and keeps everything from sticking. A good, fruity oil adds subtle flavor too.

Salt and Pepper: Always to taste, always important. A pinch here and there makes all the difference.

Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but I enjoy the hint of heat they bring to balance the richness.

4) How to Make Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

Step 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Toss in the sausage slices and let them brown on each side. Set them aside once they’ve picked up that golden color.

Step 2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and let it soften. Stir in the garlic, cooking it just long enough to become fragrant.

Step 3. Stir in the orzo and let it toast lightly. That extra step deepens the flavor and gives it a nutty edge.

Step 4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let the orzo cook, stirring here and there so it doesn’t stick.

Step 5. Add the broccoli florets. Let them steam in the skillet until bright and tender, about five minutes.

Step 6. Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like spice.

Step 7. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stir until creamy, and serve the dish while it’s hot.

5) Tips for Making Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

I’ve learned a few tricks while making chicken sausage recipes like this one. First, browning the sausage until it’s a little crisp changes everything. Don’t rush it—let the heat do the work. Second, toast the orzo before adding the broth. That small step makes it taste like you put in more effort than you did.

If you’re cooking for a crowd, keep the Parmesan on the side. Everyone can add as much or as little as they want. And if you want a creamy twist, a splash of cream stirred in at the end takes it in a new direction.

The best advice? Don’t overcook the broccoli. Bright green and slightly crisp beats limp and mushy every time. It keeps the skillet fresh and balanced.

6) Making Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet Ahead of Time

I often prep parts of this meal earlier in the day. The sausage can be sliced and refrigerated, ready to hit the skillet when you get home. The broccoli can be cut into florets and stored in a container. Even the orzo can be measured out ahead of time so cooking feels effortless.

If you want to cook the whole dish in advance, know that orzo continues to soak up liquid as it sits. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring it back to life. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers often taste even better.

This flexibility makes it one of those orzo chicken recipes you can count on. It’s reliable, forgiving, and perfect for meal prep.

7) Storing Leftover Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet

Leftovers hold up well when stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. I usually add a splash of broth before reheating to loosen the orzo. The sausage stays tender, and the broccoli doesn’t lose too much texture if you reheat gently on the stove.

If you’d rather freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will last a couple of months that way. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Dishes like this remind me why I love chicken and orzo recipes. They’re easy to save, easy to revive, and just as comforting the second time around.

8) Try these skillet dinners next!

9) Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Orzo Skillet Recipe