Description
A flavorful and hearty Italian sausage orzo dish that is quick and easy to make. This one-pan meal features savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a variety of colorful vegetables cooked in a delicious broth.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 zucchini (diced)
- 1 and 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Cook sausage: Add Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Add diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 4–5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Toast orzo: Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 12–15 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and let sit for 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle with basil before serving if desired.
Notes
Notes:
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes.
- You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
