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!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Add the red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Step 9

If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty and flavorful medley!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2016.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2648.6

Total Fat 85.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 20.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.0g
Cholesterol 47.6mg	0%
Sodium 7652.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 338.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.1g	0%
Total Sugars 47.5g
Protein 139.6g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 1129.8mg	0%
Iron 25.4mg	0%
Potassium 3482.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.8%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 50.4%