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Top-down view of a chicken sausage and broccoli orzo skillet recipe

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet.

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • * 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • * 12 oz Pre-cooked Chicken Sausage sliced into coins
  • * 1 small Yellow Onion finely diced
  • * 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • * 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta
  • * 2 ½ cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • * 2 cups Fresh Broccoli cut into very small florets
  • * ½ tsp Dried Oregano
  • * ½ cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • * ¼ cup Fresh Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley chopped
  • * 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • * Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add diced onion to the same skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Add the dry orzo to the skillet. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the grains.
  4. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add Broccoli and Sausage: Uncover and stir in the broccoli florets and seared chicken sausage. Cover again and simmer for 5-6 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Gently fold in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • Browning: Sear the sausage first and set aside. The browned bits left in the pan build the flavor for the orzo.
  • Broccoli Size: Cut broccoli into tiny, bite-sized florets so they steam at the exact same rate the pasta cooks.
  • Pasta Check: Stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers so it does not stick to the bottom of the skillet.
  • Liquid Adjustment: Orzo absorbs liquid quickly as it sits. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
  • Lemon Finish: Do not skip the fresh lemon juice at the end. It cuts the richness of the sausage and cheese.