Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet: A Delicious & Easy One-Pan Meal

Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet: Prepare to be amazed by this one-pan wonder that’s about to revolutionize your weeknight dinners! Imagine tender orzo pasta, savory chicken sausage, and vibrant vegetables all mingling together in a symphony of flavors. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a culinary hug in a bowl that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Orzo, often mistaken for rice, is a type of pasta with a rich history, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine. Its versatility makes it a beloved ingredient in countless dishes, from hearty soups to refreshing salads. The beauty of this Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and herbs, making it a dish that truly reflects your personal taste.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the combination of textures is incredibly satisfying – the slight chewiness of the orzo, the snap of the vegetables, and the savory bite of the chicken sausage create a delightful experience. Second, it’s incredibly convenient. Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup? Finally, the flavors are simply irresistible. The savory sausage, combined with the fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked orzo, creates a balanced and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. So, let’s get cooking and discover the magic of this Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced (about 4 links)
• 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 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. First things first, let’s get all our ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother. Start by slicing your chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces. I like to cut them on a slight diagonal for a nicer presentation, but that’s totally optional!
2. Next, chop your yellow onion. Don’t worry about being too precise here; a rough chop is perfectly fine. We just want to make sure it cooks evenly.
3. Mince your garlic. Fresh garlic is key to adding that wonderful aromatic flavor to our dish. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh is always best.
4. Chop your red and yellow bell peppers. I love the combination of colors, but feel free to use whatever bell peppers you have on hand. Green bell peppers would work just as well.
5. Finally, grab your canned diced tomatoes and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Make sure you don’t drain them! We want all that flavorful juice.

Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables:

1. Now, let’s get cooking! Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
2. Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The sausage will release some of its fat, which will help to flavor the dish.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later.
4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
6. Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Simmering the Orzo:

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – those are packed with flavor!
2. Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 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 skillet.
4. If the orzo is absorbing the liquid too quickly and starts to dry out, add a little more chicken broth. You want the orzo to be creamy and tender.

Finishing Touches:

1. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken sausage and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Cook for another minute or two, until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese.

Serving:

1. Serve the chicken sausage orzo skillet hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
2. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.
3. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Use different sausage: You can substitute the chicken sausage with Italian sausage, chorizo, or any other type of sausage you like.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as chickpeas or white beans, for a vegetarian version.
• Add cream: For a richer and creamier dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.
• Make it cheesy: Add more cheese! Mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar cheese would all be delicious additions.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the skillet up to the point of adding the orzo. Store it in the refrigerator and then add the orzo and chicken broth when you’re ready to cook it.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy chicken sausage orzo skillet! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation, and here’s why: it’s quick, it’s easy, it’s packed with deliciousness, and it’s incredibly versatile. We’re talking minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction – a weeknight dinner dream come true! But beyond the convenience, it’s the taste that really seals the deal. The savory chicken sausage, the perfectly cooked orzo, the vibrant vegetables, and that touch of Parmesan cheese all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. I’ve made this for my family countless times, and it’s always a hit. They especially love how customizable it is! Speaking of customization, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. This skillet is fantastic on its own, but you can easily elevate it with a few simple additions. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. And the variations are endless! Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms all work beautifully. You can also experiment with different types of sausage. Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage alternative would be delicious. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a can of diced tomatoes for a richer, more tomatoey sauce. A little cream cheese stirred in at the end adds a wonderful creaminess. For a lighter take, consider using chicken broth instead of heavy cream. You can also add some fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano for an extra burst of flavor. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the sausage and add some chickpeas or white beans for protein. I’ve even been known to throw in some leftover roasted chicken or grilled shrimp for an extra protein boost. The possibilities are truly endless! This Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet is a blank canvas just waiting for your culinary creativity. But the best part about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your own preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this skillet has you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. I truly encourage you to give this Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet a try. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience! I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and your overall thoughts. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, or send me an email. I’m always eager to see how you’re making this recipe your own. Happy cooking! Let me know what you think!

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