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One-Pan Creamy Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet

Close-up of chicken sausage and broccoli orzo mixed together in a black skillet.
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Make this simple, high-protein, one-pan chicken sausage and broccoli orzo skillet for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the dry orzo pasta, coating it in the pan drippings. Cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir in the broccoli florets. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is crisp-tender.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the reserved chicken sausage. Mix gently until the sauce is creamy.
  7. Stir in the fresh lemon juice just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • For a brighter flavor, add the zest of half a lemon along with the juice at the end.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the mixture to sit uncovered for 5 minutes after stirring in the cream.
  • You can substitute smoked sausage for chicken sausage if you prefer a deeper flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/chicken-sausage-and-broccoli-orzo/