Description
This one-pan orzo and chicken sausage recipe combines savory chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables all cooked in a flavorful tomato and chicken broth base. It's an easy, balanced dish perfect for busy weeknights, packed with protein and veggies for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- ¼ cup white onion, minced
- 8 oz. Bella mushrooms, diced
- 2 large green bell peppers, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 10 oz. chicken sausage, cut into rounds
- 2 cups orzo
- 15 oz. diced tomatoes
- 2.25 cups chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, separated
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onions: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once fragrant, add the minced white onion and season with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add mushrooms, sausage, and garlic: Stir in the diced mushrooms, chicken sausage rounds, minced garlic, and another ½ teaspoon of salt. Continue to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sausage is browned and mushrooms are tender.
- Toast the orzo and seasonings: Add the orzo, paprika, ground black pepper, tomato paste, and remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the skillet. Stir to coat and toast the orzo for 2-3 minutes, enhancing the flavor.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the orzo is cooked al dente.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, uncover, and fluff the orzo with a fork. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil if desired for richness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- This wholesome one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep since it incorporates protein, veggies, and carbs all in one pan, making cleanup easy.
- You can substitute chicken sausage with turkey or pork sausage if desired.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when toasting the orzo.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Be sure to stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 384 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
