One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage Orzo

$For this dish, you need a few key ingredients. Gather the following items: - 1 lb Italian chicken sausage, sliced - 2 tbsp unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving These ingredients blend well to create rich flavors and a comforting meal. Butter adds a creamy richness to the dish. I prefer unsalted butter, as it lets me control the salt. Use fresh, high-quality Italian chicken sausage for the best taste. You can find it in most grocery stores. Slice it evenly for even cooking. Cook it until it's nice and browned. This step builds deep flavor in the dish. Fresh vegetables make this dish vibrant and healthy. I like to use a mix of onion and bell pepper. They add sweetness and color. Garlic is a must for that robust flavor. Cherry tomatoes burst with juice and add brightness. For herbs, dried Italian herbs work well. They add a hint of earthiness. Fresh parsley at the end gives a pop of color and freshness. Using these fresh additions brings the meal to life and makes it enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. You want this pot to hold all the yummy goodness. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. This butter will give our dish a rich base. Once it’s melted, add 1 pound of sliced Italian chicken sausage. Cook the sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it browned and fully cooked. Next, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped small onion, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing! The veggies should soften and release their flavors. Once the sausage is cooked and the veggies are soft, it’s time to mix in the orzo. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Stir everything well to coat the pasta with the butter and flavors. Now, pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This broth adds moisture and depth to our dish. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. After adding the broth and tomatoes, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the orzo to become tender and soak up most of the liquid. When done, take the pot off the heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the flavors to meld together. Fluff the orzo with a fork and check the seasoning. Adjust if needed. Now, your one-pot garlic butter sausage orzo is ready to serve! Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Enjoy! To boost the garlic butter flavor, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a brighter taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. This little touch makes a big difference. Don’t forget to taste as you go! You can also drizzle a bit of garlic oil on top before serving. This adds a nice finishing touch. Cook your orzo until it is al dente. This means it will be firm but not hard. It usually takes about 10-12 minutes in the broth. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. If it starts to look dry, add a splash more broth. Keep an eye on it to make sure it cooks just right. For a great presentation, use a large bowl or plate. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor. You can also serve it with a side salad or warm bread. This makes a lovely meal that looks as good as it tastes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and vegetables to enhance the flavor of the dish. Adjust the Liquid: If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to add a splash of heavy cream or more broth as needed. Customize Your Sausage: Experiment with different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian or turkey sausage, for unique flavor profiles. Perfecting the Orzo: Stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. {{image_2}} You can change the sausage for different flavors. Try pork sausage for a richer taste. Turkey sausage is a lighter option. If you want spice, use chorizo. Each choice adds its own twist to the dish. Just make sure to cook it well. Feel free to add more veggies to boost nutrition. Spinach or kale works great. You can also add zucchini or mushrooms for texture. If you want more protein, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp. This makes the dish heartier and more filling. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer good alternatives. For a vegan option, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage. Use olive oil instead of butter. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These changes keep the dish delicious and satisfying. To store your One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage Orzo, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This dish stays good in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to enjoy it. When you reheat the orzo, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps it moist and tasty. You can use the microwave or the stove. If using the stove, heat it over low heat. Stir it often to avoid sticking. This brings back the creamy texture and great flavor. You can freeze the leftovers for later. Place the orzo in a freezer-safe container. It lasts for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it with some broth for the best taste. Enjoy your flavorful dish anytime! Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or even shells work well. Each type will bring a unique texture to your dish. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Follow the package instructions for best results. Orzo cooks quickly, so other pastas may need a bit longer. To spice up your dish, add crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch, then taste and adjust. You can also try using spicy sausage instead of Italian chicken sausage. For more heat, include fresh jalapeños or diced green chilies while cooking. These additions will give your dish a nice kick. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. A fresh Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors nicely. Garlic bread is another great option. It adds crunch and a bit more garlic goodness to your meal. If you want something heartier, serve it with roasted vegetables. This blog post outlined how to make One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage Orzo. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned about adding flavor and ways to store leftovers. Remember, you can adjust this dish to fit your tastes. Whether using different sausages or adding more veggies, the options are endless. Enjoy creating this meal, and share it with friends and family. Your kitchen will smell great, and everyone will love it!$

One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage Orzo

A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring Italian chicken sausage, orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables, all cooked in a garlic butter sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb Italian chicken sausage, sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 whole bell pepper, diced
1 cup orzo pasta
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring well to combine with the sausage and veggies.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and dried herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Keyword garlic butter, one pot, orzo, sausage