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- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups chicken broth Chicken sausage is the star here. It adds great flavor and protein. I love using orzo pasta because it cooks quickly and soaks up the broth. The chicken broth brings depth to the dish and keeps it moist. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Fresh produce makes this dish bright and tasty. I often choose cherry tomatoes for their sweetness. Bell peppers add crunch and color. Onions and garlic give a solid base flavor. Finally, basil adds a lovely touch at the end. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings bring everything together. Dried oregano adds a hint of earthiness. Smoked paprika gives a slight kick and a smoky depth. Olive oil is key for sautéing and adds richness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors in the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heating the olive oil: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. This step adds flavor and helps brown the sausage. - Browning the sausage: Add 1 pound of sliced chicken sausage to the hot skillet. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. The sausage should be golden and cooked through. Once browned, take it out and set it aside. - Cooking onion and bell pepper: In the same skillet, toss in 1 small finely chopped onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the veggies to soften and become fragrant. - Adding garlic: Next, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute. The garlic should smell great and not burn. - Toasting the orzo: Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet. Toast it for 2 minutes while stirring often. This helps the orzo gain a nice, nutty flavor. - Adding broth and cooking time: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. The orzo should be al dente when done. - Incorporating cherry tomatoes and seasonings: After 10 minutes, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to mix. - Mixing in the sausage: Finally, return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet. Mix everything together and let it heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. This one-pan meal bursts with flavor and is easy to make. Enjoy every bite! To make the orzo just right, cook it al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. You can achieve this by following the cooking time closely. Keep stirring the orzo often to prevent it from clumping or sticking together. Next, adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. After combining all the ingredients, taste the dish. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of pepper. Small changes can make a big difference in taste. For a beautiful finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This adds a pop of color and flavor. Place the orzo skillet in shallow bowls for serving. This makes it easy for everyone to enjoy. You can also serve it with a side salad or crusty bread. This adds crunch and balances the meal. When toasting the orzo, prevent it from sticking by stirring constantly. This helps the pasta absorb all the flavors. Use a large skillet for cooking. The extra space allows ingredients to cook evenly and prevents overcrowding. This way, everything cooks perfectly and stays delicious. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chicken Sausage: Opt for all-natural chicken sausage for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Toast the Orzo: Toasting the orzo in the skillet before adding the broth enhances the nutty flavor of the pasta. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for a colorful and nutritious boost. Let It Rest: Allow the skillet to sit covered for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld together even more. {{image_2}} You can easily change some ingredients in this dish. For proteins, try turkey sausage or a plant-based option. These choices still keep the meal tasty. For pasta, you can swap orzo for other types like farro or even rice. This way, you can play with textures and flavors. Want to spice it up? Adding red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Italian herbs like basil or parsley can boost the flavor too. You might also add vegetables like spinach or zucchini. They not only taste great but also add more nutrients. If you're looking for gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. It works just as well in this recipe. For lower-calorie meals, use less oil and skip the cheese. You can still enjoy a hearty dish without extra calories. To store leftovers, let the Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid is tight. This helps keep the dish fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave. For freezing, make sure the skillet is completely cool. Transfer the orzo skillet to a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can stay good in the freezer for about two months. Thawing and reheating instructions: - When ready to eat, move the container from the freezer to the fridge. Let it thaw overnight. - Reheat on low heat in a skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed. Stir gently until hot. You can also use the microwave, but stir halfway through for even heating. For the best taste, eat the orzo skillet within three days if refrigerated. If frozen, use it within two months for best quality. The flavors will still be good, but the texture may change over time. Always check for any off smells or changes before enjoying leftovers. Yes, you can use any chicken sausage you like. Look for varieties that fit your taste. Some sausages have herbs, while others have spices. Feel free to choose spicy or mild options. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding to the pan. - Tips for choosing chicken sausage varieties: - Check for lean options for a healthier dish. - Look for sausage with no fillers for better flavor. - Try different flavors like garlic or sun-dried tomato. This recipe is easy to make in one pot. You cook everything in the same skillet. This cuts down on dirty dishes and saves time. Just follow the steps closely, and you will have a tasty meal with less fuss. - Suggestions for reducing cleanup: - Use a large skillet that can hold all the ingredients. - Stir the orzo right in the skillet to keep it simple. - Serve directly from the skillet for fewer dishes. Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors blend well after a day, making it even more delicious. - Benefits of making it ahead of time and storage tips: - Prepare it in advance for busy days. - Keep it in an airtight container for up to four days. - Reheat on the stove or in the microwave for quick meals. This blog post covered a delicious recipe featuring chicken sausage, orzo pasta, and fresh veggies. You learned how to cook these main ingredients step-by-step while adding tasty seasonings. Tips for perfecting texture and presentation will help make your meal shine. You can also try different flavors, cooking techniques, and storage methods to suit your needs. This dish is easy to modify based on your preference, making it fun and flexible. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share this tasty recipe with others!

Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal featuring chicken sausage, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 each bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to garnish fresh basil leaves
  • to taste grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally.
  • After 10 minutes, add the cherry tomatoes, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
  • Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and mix well. Allow it to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

Serve garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Keyword chicken sausage, one-pan, orzo, skillet meal