Spicy Italian Sausage Orzo
A comforting one-pot dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, orzo pasta, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb Spicy Italian Sausage Fresh sausage adds depth; feel free to swap with turkey or veggie sausage for a healthier option.
Pasta
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta This tiny pasta cooks quickly and soaks up flavors beautifully.
Vegetables
- 1 Medium Onion, chopped Yellow or sweet onions work well.
- 1 piece Bell Pepper, chopped Any color adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Consider using roasted garlic for a sweeter touch.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes Sundried tomatoes can also add a delightful twist.
Liquids
- 2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth Homemade broth adds richness, but store-bought works fine.
Seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning A blend of herbs adding comforting flavor.
- to taste Salt and Pepper Always essential in any dish.
Garnish
- to taste Fresh Basil or Parsley For garnish and a fresh finish.
Instructions
Sauté the Sausage
- In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the spicy Italian sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally.
Add Aromatics
- Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Incorporate Garlic
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Mix in Liquids
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together.
Bring to a Boil and Add Orzo
- Once it starts boiling, add the orzo pasta. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish with Herbs
- When the orzo is tender, remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
Healthier options include using whole wheat orzo or lean ground turkey. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the orzo.