Orzo Spicy Italian Veggie Sausage Medley
Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Orzo Spicy Italian Veggie Sausage Medley, a one-skillet wonder that's as comforting as it is bold. This hearty dish combines tender orzo pasta with a medley of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, red bell pepper, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all infused with fragrant garlic and oregano. The star ingredient—spicy Italian veggie sausage—adds a smoky, plant-based kick, perfectly complemented by a light vegetable broth and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for just the right amount of heat. Ready in under 40 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan for a restaurant-quality finishing touch. Perfect for vegetarians and anyone craving a flavor-packed, wholesome meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 links Spicy Italian veggie sausage
- 1 medium Yellow onion
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 large Red bell pepper
- 1 medium Zucchini
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 3 cups Vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
Instructions
Begin by preparing all the vegetables: dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips, and cut the zucchini into half-moon slices. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them all aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the spicy Italian veggie sausage into ½-inch rounds, and sear them in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes to lightly brown it. Then, add the vegetable broth, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed.
Add the cherry tomatoes and the seared veggie sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly and the sausage to heat through.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty and flavorful medley!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2649 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.9 g | 110% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.7 g | 103% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 7652 mg | 333% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 338.8 g | 123% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 42.1 g | 150% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.5 g | ||
| Protein | 139.6 g | 279% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1130 mg | 87% | |
| Iron | 25.4 mg | 141% | |
| Potassium | 3483 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
