One Pot Tomato Orzo (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
02 -
12 oz chicken sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
03 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
05 -
1 cup dry orzo pasta
06 -
1/4 tsp dried Italian herb blend (adjust to preference)
→ Liquid & Sauce
07 -
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
08 -
1 can (14 fl oz) smooth tomato sauce
→ Vegetables & Finishing
09 -
2 cups fresh broccoli, cut into small bite-sized pieces
10 -
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
11 -
Fresh parmesan cheese, grated (optional for serving)
12 -
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Get everything ready before you start cooking. Slice your chicken sausage into rounds - you can also remove the casings if you prefer, but be gentle as some sausages can fall apart easily.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, letting it get nicely browned.
03 -
Toss in the diced onion and continue cooking for another 4 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent.
04 -
Add the minced garlic and dry orzo pasta to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for just 30 seconds - this helps toast the pasta slightly for better flavor.
05 -
Pour in the Italian seasoning, chicken stock, and tomato sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.
06 -
Once bubbling, add the broccoli florets and chopped bell pepper. Let everything cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer - you want it bubbling softly, not boiling hard.
07 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if you like.
# Notes:
01 -
This recipe serves 4-6 people depending on appetite and what you're serving alongside it.
02 -
If the finished dish seems too soupy, just cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes - the orzo will absorb the extra liquid.
03 -
Need more sauce? Add an extra splash of chicken broth to loosen things up.
04 -
Remember that orzo is pasta, not rice - if you want to substitute rice, you'll need to adjust both liquid amounts and cooking times.