Description
Savor the robust flavors of Italian Sausage Orzo Delight, a Mediterranean-inspired pasta medley brimming with hearty sausage and tender orzo. Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish perfect for your next family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (mild or hot), casings removed if using links
Vegetables:
- ½ medium Onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 ribs Celery, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
Pantry and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Olive Oil
- ½ cup (95 grams) Orzo Pasta (uncooked), or 1 cup if using a larger pasta type
- 2 (14.5-ounce/411 grams) cans Tomatoes (diced or crushed), with their juice
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) Chicken Broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Water, as needed to adjust consistency
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh Parsley
- Homemade Croutons
- Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Gather and prep all ingredients meticulously, carefully removing casings from sausage links if needed, ensuring a smooth cooking process.
- Heat olive oil in a substantial pot over medium-high temperature, allowing it to shimmer with anticipation. Carefully introduce the Italian sausage, browning it thoroughly until rich caramel-colored edges develop.
- Transfer the beautifully cooked sausage to a waiting plate, preserving its succulent texture. Leverage the remaining aromatic sausage drippings to gently sauté onions, celery, and garlic until they transform into tender, translucent morsels.
- Reintroduce the seared sausage into the vegetable-laden pot. Carefully incorporate uncooked orzo, diced tomatoes with their vibrant juices, fragrant chicken broth, and a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Elevate the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the ingredients to meld and dance together, stirring intermittently. Monitor the orzo’s absorption, ensuring it reaches perfect al dente consistency within 10-15 minutes.
- Assess the soup’s liquid profile, adding additional broth or water if needed to achieve an ideal, comforting texture. Taste and adjust seasonings for a final flourish of flavor.
Notes
- Perfectly brown Italian sausage over medium-high heat to develop deep, rich flavors and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
- Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Select fresh, high-quality orzo pasta for the best taste and optimal absorption of savory cooking liquids.
- Control moisture levels during simmering to prevent the dish from becoming too dry or too soupy.
- Allow the soup to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and intensify.
- Use low-sodium broth to manage salt content and customize seasoning according to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg