Chicken Sausage Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Chicken Sausage Orzo: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple dish that’s about to become your new weeknight staple! Imagine tender orzo pasta, perfectly cooked chicken sausage, and a medley of vibrant vegetables all tossed together in a light, yet satisfying sauce. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, ready in under 30 minutes.

Orzo, also known as risoni, might seem like just another pasta shape, but its versatility has made it a beloved ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Often used in soups, salads, and as a side dish, orzo readily absorbs flavors, making it the perfect partner for the savory chicken sausage in this recipe. While not steeped in ancient tradition, this particular combination of ingredients is a modern twist on classic comfort food.

What makes this Chicken Sausage Orzo so irresistible? It’s the delightful combination of textures – the slight chewiness of the orzo, the satisfying bite of the sausage, and the crispness of the vegetables. The flavor profile is equally appealing, offering a balance of savory, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy notes. But perhaps the biggest draw is its convenience. This one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious and wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I know I do!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables

1. First, let’s get the sausage browned. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. Don’t drain the fat; we’ll use that to cook the veggies!
2. Now, add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn.
3. Add the minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, and chopped yellow bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender-crisp. The aroma at this point is just amazing!

Simmering the Orzo

1. Time to bring everything together! Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), cannellini beans, chicken broth, orzo pasta, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You want the orzo to be nice and creamy.

Finishing Touches and Serving

1. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken sausage, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch more red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
3. Serve the chicken sausage orzo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Tips and Variations

• Spice it up: If you like a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also use a spicy Italian chicken sausage.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. Just add them along with the bell peppers and cook until they’re tender.
• Use different beans: If you don’t have cannellini beans, you can use other types of beans, such as great northern beans or kidney beans.
• Make it creamy: For an even creamier dish, stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese or heavy cream at the end.
• Vegetarian option: To make this dish vegetarian, use vegetarian sausage and vegetable broth.
• Make ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra chicken broth if needed to loosen it up.
• Freezing: While orzo can sometimes get a bit mushy after freezing, this dish can be frozen. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Broth variations: While chicken broth is my go-to, you can experiment with vegetable broth or even a combination of chicken and vegetable broth.
• Herb variations: Don’t be afraid to play around with the herbs! Rosemary, thyme, or even a little bit of sage would be delicious additions.
• Cheese variations: Pecorino Romano would be a great substitute for Parmesan cheese.

Detailed Ingredient Notes

• Chicken Sausage: I prefer using Italian chicken sausage because it adds a lot of flavor to the dish. However, you can use any type of chicken sausage that you like. Just make sure to remove the casings before cooking. If you’re using pre-cooked sausage, you can add it to the pot at the end, just to heat it through.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my preference for its flavor, but you can use any type of cooking oil that you have on hand.
• Onion: Yellow onion is a good all-purpose onion for this dish, but you can also use white onion or even shallots.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can also use jarred minced garlic if you’re short on time.
• Bell Peppers: I like to use a combination of red and yellow bell peppers for their color and flavor, but you can use any color of bell pepper that you like.
• Diced Tomatoes: I prefer using canned diced tomatoes because they’re convenient and readily available. However, you can also use fresh diced tomatoes. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about 2 cups.
• Cannellini Beans: Cannellini beans are also known as white kidney beans. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in this dish.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is a good choice because it allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish.
• Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that’s perfect for this dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always best, but you can also use pre-grated Parmesan cheese if you’re short on time.
• Fresh Basil and Parsley: Fresh herbs add a lot of flavor and freshness to this dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
• Dried Oregano: Dried oregano adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit them.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is key! Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with a side salad or crusty bread.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
• Serve with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• It’s also great for meal prepping! Divide into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 30-35 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Sausage Orzo! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Sausage Orzo isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the savory chicken sausage to the perfectly cooked orzo, and the vibrant vegetables dancing in a light, herby sauce, every bite is a delightful experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out, and honestly, who doesn’t need more of that in their life?

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a hot Italian chicken sausage. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano right before serving elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Looking for some serving suggestions? This Chicken Sausage Orzo is fantastic on its own as a complete meal. However, it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the orzo. Alternatively, you could serve it alongside some crusty bread for soaking up all that flavorful sauce.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider these variations:

* Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
* Creamy Delight: Stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
* Veggie Powerhouse: Load up on even more vegetables! Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or kale would all be fantastic additions.
* Lemon Zest Zing: A little lemon zest brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of freshness.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and its ability to be customized to your liking. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Now, it’s your turn! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Chicken Sausage Orzo recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And please, don’t be shy! I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavors? Share your photos and comments – I’m eager to see your creations and hear your feedback. Let’s build a community of orzo enthusiasts! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear from you!