Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Fried Sausage Pepper Orzo! Imagine a perfect harmony of juicy Italian sausage, caramelized bell peppers, and tender orzo pasta that comes together in just 30 minutes. This one-skillet wonder is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of Italian sausage, 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 sliced onion, 2 cups of orzo pasta, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes or until it is browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- While the sausage is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Slice the bell pepper and onion into thin strips. Once the sausage is cooked, add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet.
- Stir the vegetables into the sausage and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
- While the sausage and vegetables are cooking, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a separate pot. Once boiling, add the 2 cups of orzo pasta to the broth.
- Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth if necessary, and then add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the sausage and vegetables.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Fried Sausage Pepper Orzo warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor - the better the sausage, the more delicious your dish!
- Don't rush the sausage browning process. Let it develop a nice golden-brown color for deeper flavor.
- For extra richness, use a cast-iron skillet if you have one.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and taste.
- Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- If the dish seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or olive oil.
- Feel free to experiment with different bell pepper colors for a more vibrant presentation.
- For a spicy kick, consider using hot Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated with a little additional broth to maintain moisture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
