Description
A flavorful and easy weeknight dinner featuring orzo pasta, chicken sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers cooked together in one skillet for minimal cleanup. This dish is satisfying, balanced, and perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 white onion, minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, separated
- 8 oz mushrooms, diced
- 10 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large green bell peppers, diced
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced onion and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the diced mushrooms, sliced chicken sausage, garlic, and another 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Continue sautéing for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and the sausage is lightly browned.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, paprika, black pepper, and tomato paste. Toast the orzo in the skillet for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Once the orzo is cooked al dente, remove the skillet from the heat. Uncover, fluff the orzo with a fork, and give everything a final stir. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Toast the orzo before simmering for a nutty richness.
- Season at each stage of cooking for balanced flavor.
- Add extra chicken broth for a creamier consistency.
- Incorporate spinach or kale at the end for added color and nutrients.
- Prepare ahead and reheat gently with broth for best results.
- Consider using Italian pork sausage or turkey sausage for variations.
- For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: N/A