Weeknight • Pasta
Hearty Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet
This flavorful skillet meal combines savory sausage, tender broccoli, and orzo pasta in one easy pan.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Looking for a satisfying meal that's big on flavor but doesn't require a stack of pots and pans? This Hearty Sausage and Broccoli Orzo Skillet is here to save your weeknight! With juicy sausage, crisp-tender broccoli, and comforting orzo all cooked in one skillet, it’s a fuss-free dinner that tastes like you spent hours on it.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 head)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional, for serving
Preparation
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, then remove sausage and set aside.
Step 2
Add chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 3
Add broccoli florets and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the orzo pasta.
Step 4
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash more broth or water.
Step 5
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips
- Don't worry if the broccoli shrinks a bit; it will still be delicious and tender-crisp.
- For a creamier finish, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
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