Description
This one-pan orzo and chicken sausage recipe is a delicious and balanced meal combining protein, vegetables, and flavorful spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features sautéed chicken sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, and tender orzo cooked together in a savory tomato broth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- ¼ white onion (minced)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (separated)
- 8 oz. Bella mushrooms (diced)
- 10 oz. chicken sausage (cut into rounds)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 large green bell peppers (diced)
- 2 cups orzo
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 15 oz. diced tomatoes
- 2.25 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add the minced white onion and season with ½ teaspoon kosher salt when the olive oil is fragrant. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add mushrooms, sausage, garlic, and salt: Add the diced Bella mushrooms, chicken sausage rounds, minced garlic, and another ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to the skillet. Continue sautéing for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sausage to brown and the garlic to become fragrant.
- Toast orzo with spices: Add the orzo, paprika, ground black pepper, tomato paste, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the skillet. Stir continuously and toast the orzo for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a nutty flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
- Finish and fluff: When the orzo is cooked to al dente and the liquid is absorbed, remove the skillet from heat. Uncover and fluff the orzo gently with a fork. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- This recipe packs protein and veggies in one pan, making it ideal for quick dinners or meal prep.
- Use gluten-free orzo if you prefer a gluten-free version.
- You can substitute chicken sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for dietary preferences.
- Adjust paprika and black pepper amounts to taste for spiciness.
- Be sure to stir the orzo occasionally when simmering to avoid burning or sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 384 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 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: 45 mg
