Orzo Sausage Skillet with Red Peppers, Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Basil (37 Minutes)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

The orzo and crumbled sausage skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that combines the richness of sausage with the freshness of red peppers and cherry tomatoes.

Tossed with orzo pasta and garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this dish is both comforting and vibrant.

It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual dining occasion, providing a filling and delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32 minutes
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage (5 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté vegetables (5 minutes): In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant.
  3. Cook the orzo (15 minutes): Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to mix with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  4. Combine ingredients and season (5 minutes): Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the orzo and vegetables. Stir to combine everything evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Garnish and serve (2 minutes): Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil over the top. Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

This orzo and crumbled sausage skillet is a full meal that comes together quickly and leaves little cleanup, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

The combination of Italian sausage with the lightness of orzo and fresh vegetables provides a balanced meal with a variety of textures and flavors.

For a spicier version, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 880mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Focaccia Bread

Grab 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups warm water, a packet of active dry yeast, 2 tsp sugar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and a tablespoon of salt. Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle in yeast, and wait till it's frothy (5 mins). Mix this with flour, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Once you've got a dough, let it rest until doubled in size (about 1.5 hours). Transfer it to a baking sheet, poke some dimples in with your fingers, drizzle more olive oil, and sprinkle sea salt and herbs (rosemary's a classic!). Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Lemony Arugula Salad

Start with a generous handful of fresh arugula; it's peppery and packs a punch. Toss in a sprinkle of pine nuts for a delicate crunch. Now, for the star of the show – thinly shaved Parmesan; go on, be generous! For the dressing, whisk together the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 3 tbsp of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a crack of black pepper. The lemon brightens the bold arugula and complements the nutty pine nuts and salty Parmesan. Toss everything together and bam, a gourmet side salad in a snap.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Begin by cleaning and peeling your carrots. If they're large, you might want to slice them into smaller, uniform pieces for even cooking. In a pan, bring a bit of water to a simmer and add the carrots, letting them steam until they're tender but still have a bite. Drain any excess water, then return the pan to the heat. Add a good dollop of butter and let it melt, followed by a generous drizzle of honey. Toss the carrots in this buttery, sweet mixture, seasoning with a pinch of salt and maybe a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for an herbal touch. Let them cook a bit longer until they're beautifully glazed and glistening.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Broccoli Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese (40 Minutes)

Chicken Shawarma Wrap (25 Minutes)

Shrimp Puttanesca (30 Minutes)

Mini Ham and Leek Pot Pies (35-40 Minutes)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!