Description
This One Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo is a hearty and flavorful dish combining savory sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh cherry tomatoes, all cooked together in garlic-infused chicken broth. Finished with a touch of butter and fresh parsley, this meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Orzo
- 1 pound sausage, sliced
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This releases the flavorful oils from the sausage that will infuse the dish.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb flavors from the sausage and garlic.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, ensuring the orzo starts cooking through.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the halved cherry tomatoes along with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine.
- Simmer to Cook Orzo: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with Butter and Parsley: Stir in the butter and chopped parsley, mixing until melted and evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
- Use your preferred type of sausage, such as Italian, smoked, or spicy, to customize the flavor.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
- Vegetables like spinach or kale can be added during the simmer for extra nutrition.
- If chicken broth is not available, vegetable broth is a suitable substitute.
- To reduce salt, opt for low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning carefully.
