Description
This One-Pan Orzo and Chicken Sausage recipe is a flavorful and hearty meal combining tender orzo pasta with savory chicken sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, and a touch of tomato. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is cooked entirely in one skillet for easy cleanup and rich taste.
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 oil and sauté onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is fragrant, add the minced white onion and season with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent.
- Add mushrooms, sausage, and garlic: Add the diced Bella mushrooms, chicken sausage rounds, minced garlic, and another ½ teaspoon kosher salt to the skillet. Continue sautéing for another 3-4 minutes until mushrooms soften and sausage starts to brown.
- Toast the orzo and spices: Stir in the dry orzo, paprika, ground black pepper, tomato paste, and the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Toast the orzo mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to coat well and develop flavor.
- Add tomatoes and broth, then simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is cooked al dente.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and uncover. Fluff the orzo with a fork to separate the grains and mix the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This dish balances protein, vegetables, and carbs for a complete meal.
- Use chicken broth with low sodium if you want to reduce salt in the recipe.
- Feel free to swap chicken sausage with your preferred sausage or a vegetarian alternative.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a little grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Leftovers keep well and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 384 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
