Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Feel free to substitute the vegetables with whatever you have on hand. Mama Lou always said that a recipe is just a guide, and the best dishes come from using what you love and have available.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the orzo, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10 minutes.
- Return the chicken sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that remind me of those precious evenings in Mama Lou’s kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International