Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe

Looking for a simple yet flavorful meal to whip up on a busy night? This Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage is a one-pan wonder that brings together the richness of tomatoes, the heartiness of chicken sausage, and the tender texture of orzo pasta.

It’s a delicious, comforting dish that feels gourmet but is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Sausage

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Chicken Sausage: Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add More Oil: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

1. Pour in the Crushed Tomatoes: Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
2. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

1. Add the Orzo: Stir the orzo into the tomato and broth mixture.
2. Simmer: Let the orzo cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

1. Add the Spinach: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Return the Sausage: Add the browned chicken sausage back into the skillet and stir everything together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the dish and stir until it’s melted and creamy.
2. Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
3. Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
4. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage

• Choose a Flavored Chicken Sausage: Opt for chicken sausage that’s already seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, or even spicy varieties for an added layer of flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Orzo can become mushy if overcooked, so be sure to keep an eye on it. It should be al dente—soft with a slight bite.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in the heat of the orzo and tomatoes, adding color and nutrients without overpowering the dish.

Variations of Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage

Vegetarian Tomato Orzo:

• Omit the chicken sausage and add a can of chickpeas or white beans for protein. You can also include extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Spicy Tomato Orzo:

• If you love heat, go heavy on the red pepper flakes or use a spicy variety of chicken sausage. You can also stir in some sriracha or hot sauce before serving.

Creamy Tomato Orzo:

• For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half and half during the last few minutes of cooking. It adds a rich, velvety texture.

Gluten-Free Version:

• Substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta option like quinoa pasta or gluten-free shells.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a Green Salad: Pair this hearty orzo dish with a light, fresh green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette for a complete meal.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread or a toasted baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Grilled Vegetables: For extra veggies, serve alongside grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a well-rounded dinner.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8g

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers:

• Store leftover Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so it may thicken a bit upon reheating.

Reheating:

• Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm them in a skillet over medium heat. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce if it’s too thick.

Freezing:

• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

This Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With tender orzo, flavorful chicken sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, this one-pan meal is sure to satisfy the whole family. It’s customizable, so feel free to switch up the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or fridge. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep inspiration, this recipe has you covered!

FAQs

1. Can I use pork sausage instead of chicken sausage?
   Yes, you can easily substitute pork sausage if you prefer. Just keep in mind that pork sausage is usually higher in fat, which may change the overall flavor and richness of the dish.
2. Can I use whole wheat orzo?
   Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo works well and adds a bit more fiber to the dish. Just note that the cooking time may vary slightly.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
   Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. If using fresh, you may need to cook them down a bit longer to achieve the same rich, saucy consistency as canned tomatoes.
4. What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
   You can add zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even peas. Just make sure to sauté the vegetables until they’re tender before adding the orzo.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. It’s a great option for meal prep, as the flavors continue to develop after sitting.

Yield: 4

Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe

Print

Looking for a simple yet flavorful meal to whip up on a busy night? This Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage is a one-pan wonder that brings together the richness of tomatoes, the heartiness of chicken sausage, and the tender texture of orzo pasta. It’s a delicious, comforting dish that feels gourmet but is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken Sausage:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
   Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
3. Cook the Orzo:
   Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth.
   Season with dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
   
4. Combine and Serve:
   Stir the cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet with the orzo.
   Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
   Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
   
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve the tomato orzo hot.

Notes

Chicken Sausage Options: You can use any variety of chicken sausage, such as Italian-style, garlic herb, or spicy.

Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo.