Description
A delicious and easy-to-make skillet meal featuring savory chicken sausage, fresh broccoli, and tender orzo, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the sliced chicken sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned on both sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta for about 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 8 minutes on medium-low heat until orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
- Add the broccoli florets and browned chicken sausage back to the skillet. Stir together and cover again.
- Cook covered for another 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and vibrant.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve directly from the skillet.
Notes
For a complete meal, consider serving with a light salad or crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken sausage, orzo, skillet meal, easy dinner, healthy recipe