Chicken Sausage Orzo One Pot (Print version)

Hearty Mediterranean-inspired skillet with sausage, orzo, and fresh vegetables

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 12 oz fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 zucchini, diced
06 - 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
07 - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

→ Pantry

08 - 1½ cups orzo pasta
09 - 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - ½ tsp dried basil
13 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
14 - ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Garnish

16 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
02 - Add the sliced chicken sausage and sauté for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same pan, add the onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in the garlic and zucchini; cook for another 2 minutes.
05 - Add the orzo and toast, stirring, for 1 minute.
06 - Pour in the chicken broth and add the grape tomatoes, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper.
07 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
08 - Return the browned chicken sausage to the pot and add the spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through, about 2–3 minutes.
09 - Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The orzo absorbs all those Mediterranean flavors like a tiny sponge
  • One pan means zero cleanup when you are already running on fumes
02 -
  • The orzo will continue absorbing liquid even after you turn off the heat, so do not let it get too dry
  • Stir occasionally during simmering or the pasta will stick to the bottom of your pan
03 -
  • Chop all your vegetables before you start cooking since this comes together quickly once the heat is on
  • Reserve some fresh herbs for garnish to make it look like you tried harder than you actually did

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