Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe

Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe: Simple, Hearty & Flavorful

I made this Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage recipe last week, and let me tell you—it was a total win. The juicy sausage, the tender orzo, and the tangy tomato sauce all come together in just one pot. It was easy, fast, and had everything I needed for a satisfying meal.

Plus, it reminded me how comforting one-pan pasta dishes can be. And if you’re like me and love trying recipes like Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, you’ll appreciate the ease and comfort this one brings too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a complete list of ingredients to make this delicious and easy meal. I’ll also explain why each one matters and share a few tips.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps brown the sausage and keeps everything from sticking.
• 12 ounces chicken sausage, cut into rounds – Choose a flavorful brand; smoked or spicy works great.
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped – Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings bold flavor. Don’t skip it!
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta – Tiny pasta that cooks fast and soaks up the tomato flavor perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the tomato base.
• 2 cups chicken broth – Use low sodium to control saltiness; adds rich flavor and helps cook the orzo.
• 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce – Choose a good-quality sauce; it’s the base of your dish.
• 2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets – Fresh is best here for texture.
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped – Adds color and natural sweetness.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds richness and a nutty finish.
• Salt & pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.

Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously or 6 with lighter portions. Adjust ingredient quantities if serving more.

Recipe Variations

Want to make this dish work for different diets or tastes? Here are a few easy variations.

• Dairy-Free: Skip the parmesan or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Vegetarian: Swap chicken sausage for plant-based sausage or roasted chickpeas.
• Add Cream: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream at the end for a creamy version.
• Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian chicken sausage or add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free orzo if available.

I once made this using a few add-ins inspired by my Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe, like mixing in sharp cheddar cheese. The result was extra creamy and absolutely delicious!

Cooking Time

You won’t need much time—this is one of the reasons I love this dish so much.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make the recipe successfully:

• Large pot or deep skillet – For cooking everything in one pot.
• Wooden spoon – Great for stirring without scratching the pan.
• Cutting board & knife – For prepping sausage and veggies.
• Measuring cups & spoons – Helps keep the recipe balanced.
• Grater – If using fresh parmesan.

How to Make Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this comforting one-pot meal. Trust me, it’s easy and fun!

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by slicing your chicken sausage into rounds. If your sausage is in casings and you want to remove them, be gentle—it can fall apart quickly. Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and cut your broccoli and red bell pepper into small bite-sized pieces. Prepping everything first makes cooking go faster and smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Sausage

In a large soup pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage rounds and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally so they brown nicely on both sides. The sausage adds a lot of flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic

Next, toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 4 minutes until it’s soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and stir everything together for another 30 seconds. The smell at this point? Incredible!

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Pour in the uncooked orzo and stir it with the onion, garlic, and sausage. Let it toast for about 30 seconds to bring out its nutty flavor. This step really helps enhance the dish’s overall taste.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Now add the Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Stir everything well to combine. Let it start bubbling gently. Once it does, add in your broccoli and red bell pepper. This is where the dish really starts coming together.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook

Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, uncovered. Stir frequently so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. Adjust the heat as needed to keep it at a gentle simmer—don’t let it boil too hard or you’ll lose too much liquid before the pasta is done.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the orzo is tender and the veggies are cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste. If it seems too liquidy, let it sit for a few minutes off the heat. The pasta will soak up any extra sauce. Top with freshly grated parmesan if you like, and serve hot!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even more amazing:

• Don’t overcook the orzo—it turns mushy fast if left too long.
• Use fresh broccoli for the best texture (frozen can get soggy).
• Try fire-roasted tomato sauce for extra flavor depth.
• If you love cheese like I do, stir in a bit of mozzarella at the end.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.

How to Serve Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage

This meal is so complete, it doesn’t need much—just a simple garnish and you’re set.

Serve it in shallow bowls for a cozy presentation. Add a sprinkle of fresh parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a few fresh basil leaves if you have them.

Garlic bread or a side salad makes a great pairing too. For a cozy night in, this meal is as comforting as any Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes Recipe after dinner.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general idea of what you’ll get per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~430
• Protein: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~38g
• Fat: ~20g

Perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor in every bite!

How to Store Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze this dish, though the orzo may get softer when thawed. Use within 1 month.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover and heat gently.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this dish should go into your weekly meal rotation:

• Quick and easy: Just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• One-pot wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes to wash!
• Family-friendly: Mild flavors kids and adults love.
• Nutritious and balanced: Protein, veggies, and carbs in one.
• Customizable: Works with what you have on hand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Avoid these pitfalls to get the perfect texture and flavor every time:

• Overboiling the liquid – This will leave your orzo dry before it’s done.
• Using frozen broccoli – It tends to release water and go mushy.
• Skipping the stirring – Orzo sticks quickly, so keep it moving.
• Too much seasoning early – Let the flavors develop before adding salt.
• Forgetting to taste before serving – Adjust salt, pepper, or cheese at the end.

More Info for a Better Experience

Want to mix it up? Here are a few more ways to enjoy orzo:

• Make it creamy by stirring in cream cheese or ricotta.
• Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Try different sausages—spicy Italian, smoked turkey, or even plant-based.
• Make it Mediterranean with olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Ben Carraoli

Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe

I made this Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage recipe last week, and let me tell you—it was a total win. The juicy sausage, the tender orzo, and the tangy tomato sauce all come together in just one pot. It was easy, fast, and had everything I needed for a satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Calories: 430

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps brown the sausage and keeps everything from sticking.
• 12 ounces chicken sausage cut into rounds – Choose a flavorful brand; smoked or spicy works great.
• 1/2 medium onion chopped – Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic minced – Fresh garlic brings bold flavor. Don’t skip it!
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta – Tiny pasta that cooks fast and soaks up the tomato flavor perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the tomato base.
• 2 cups chicken broth – Use low sodium to control saltiness; adds rich flavor and helps cook the orzo.
• 1 14 oz can tomato sauce – Choose a good-quality sauce; it’s the base of your dish.
• 2 cups broccoli cut into small florets – Fresh is best here for texture.
• 1/2 red bell pepper chopped – Adds color and natural sweetness.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional – Adds richness and a nutty finish.
• Salt & pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.

Method

 

1. Start by slicing your chicken sausage into rounds. If your sausage is in casings and you want to remove them, be gentle—it can fall apart quickly. Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and cut your broccoli and red bell pepper into small bite-sized pieces. Prepping everything first makes cooking go faster and smoother.
2. In a large soup pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage rounds and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally so they brown nicely on both sides. The sausage adds a lot of flavor, so don’t rush this step!
3. Next, toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 4 minutes until it’s soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and stir everything together for another 30 seconds. The smell at this point? Incredible!
4. Pour in the uncooked orzo and stir it with the onion, garlic, and sausage. Let it toast for about 30 seconds to bring out its nutty flavor. This step really helps enhance the dish’s overall taste.
5. Now add the Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Stir everything well to combine. Let it start bubbling gently. Once it does, add in your broccoli and red bell pepper. This is where the dish really starts coming together.
6. Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, uncovered. Stir frequently so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. Adjust the heat as needed to keep it at a gentle simmer—don’t let it boil too hard or you’ll lose too much liquid before the pasta is done.
7. Once the orzo is tender and the veggies are cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste. If it seems too liquidy, let it sit for a few minutes off the heat. The pasta will soak up any extra sauce. Top with freshly grated parmesan if you like, and serve hot!