This one-pan chicken sausage, vegetables, and orzo recipe brings together sliced sausage, tender pasta, and colorful vegetables in a flavorful broth.
Prepared in just 45 minutes, it makes four satisfying servings with 34 grams of protein and 451 calories per portion.
Everything cooks in a single 12-inch skillet, making this a convenient option for busy weeknights. With a little preparation before turning on the stove, you can have dinner ready with minimal cleanup.
Recipe Overview and Preparation
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 451 per serving
- Protein: 34g per serving
- Equipment: 12-inch skillet
The recipe begins by browning chicken sausage with onions and mushrooms before adding garlic and fresh vegetables.
White wine and chicken broth form the cooking liquid, while Italian herbs provide savory flavor. Orzo simmers directly in the skillet, absorbing the broth as it cooks.
For a complete meal, serve the skillet with warm bread and a simple Caesar salad. Both can be prepared while the pasta simmers.
Ingredients
Gather and measure all the ingredients before cooking so each addition can be made at the right time.
Sausage and Fresh Vegetables
- 1 pound basil and cracked black pepper chicken sausage, such as Sabatino’s®, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup French-sliced green beans
- 1/2 cup matchstick-cut carrots
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper strips
Pasta, Broth, and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning blend
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup marinated artichokes (optional)
- Fresh parsley sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Skillet and Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil and butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and its sizzling begins to subside, add the sliced chicken sausage.
Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is heated through and lightly browned. Add the diced onion and continue cooking for approximately 2 minutes to soften it.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
Stir the sliced mushrooms into the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their moisture.
Add the minced garlic and stir continuously for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid cooking the garlic for too long, as it can become bitter.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Vegetables
Add the green beans, matchstick carrots, and red bell pepper strips. Stir to distribute the vegetables evenly among the sausage and aromatics.
Cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring frequently. The vegetables should begin to soften while retaining some of their texture.
Step 4: Deglaze and Prepare the Cooking Liquid
Pour the white wine into the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute to loosen the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These flavorful bits help enrich the broth.
Add the chicken broth and Italian herb seasoning. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Stir to combine the ingredients.
Step 5: Add the Orzo
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the broth mixture to a boil. Stir in the dry orzo and allow the liquid to return to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low once boiling resumes. If using marinated artichokes, arrange them on top of the mixture at this stage.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Covering the skillet is not necessary unless the liquid is evaporating too quickly. Simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
Check the pasta toward the end of the cooking period. It should be tender, and most of the liquid should have been absorbed. If the pasta needs additional time and the skillet appears dry, add a small splash of broth or water.
Remove the skillet from the heat when the orzo and vegetables are cooked to your liking. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Tips for Making Perfect Skillet Orzo
- Prepare everything in advance: Chop the vegetables, slice the sausage, mince the garlic, and measure the broth and seasonings before heating the skillet. This makes the cooking process easier to manage.
- Use medium heat for browning: Moderate heat allows the sausage to warm and the onions and mushrooms to soften without scorching the butter or garlic.
- Monitor the simmer: Keep the heat low enough to maintain a gentle bubble. Excessive heat can cause the broth to evaporate before the orzo is fully cooked.
- Stir periodically: Orzo releases starch as it cooks, which can settle on the bottom of the pan. Occasional stirring helps prevent sticking and encourages even cooking.
- Add artichokes near the end: Placing the optional marinated artichokes on top before simmering helps them retain their shape and reduces unnecessary breaking during stirring.
- Adjust the liquid as needed: Different brands of orzo and variations in heat can affect how quickly the broth is absorbed. Keep a little extra broth nearby in case the pasta needs additional moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish directly from the skillet or divide it among four warm bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a simple finishing touch.
A side salad adds freshness and crunch, while warm crusty bread is useful for soaking up any remaining broth. If preparing additional sides, use the pasta’s simmering time to assemble the salad and warm the bread.
Nutrition Facts
The following values are estimates for one serving, based on a yield of four portions.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 451 | — |
| Total Fat | 16g | 21% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 19% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 1,309mg | 57% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36g | 13% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g | 18% |
| Total Sugars | 6g | — |
| Protein | 34g | 69% |
| Vitamin C | 39mg | 43% |
| Calcium | 113mg | 9% |
| Iron | 5mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 790mg | 17% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual nutrition may vary depending on the sausage, broth, and other ingredients used.
Final Notes
This one-pan chicken sausage, vegetables, and orzo recipe is designed for straightforward preparation and convenient cleanup.
Browning the sausage and aromatics first builds flavor, while simmering the pasta in the same skillet brings the ingredients together into a cohesive meal. With a handful of fresh vegetables and everyday pantry staples, it makes a practical dinner for four.
