Hey, foodies! If you’re in the mood for something flavorful, filling, and oh-so-easy to make, this Chicken Sausage and Tomato Orzo is just the dish for you! It’s packed with savory chicken sausage, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked orzo, all brought together with a blend of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. This one-pan wonder will have everyone asking for seconds! Let’s dive right into this simple yet delicious recipe.
Method
Prepare the Sausages and Onion
Begin by adding the finely diced red onion and chicken sausages to your air fryer. Set the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will allow the sausages to crisp up and the onions to soften, releasing their sweet flavors. Once done, remove them from the air fryer and set them aside.
Cook the Orzo
While the sausages are cooking, bring approximately 600ml of water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the orzo along with the chicken stock pot or cube to the boiling water. Stir occasionally and cook for around 7 minutes, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid but is still somewhat watery. At this stage, check the texture of the orzo if it seems too dry, add a splash of extra water and continue cooking until it reaches a tender consistency. Be sure to keep an eye on the water levels to ensure the orzo cooks evenly.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Once the sausages and onions are cooked, use a spatula to break the sausages into smaller pieces. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, mixed herbs, and garlic Italian seasoning to the air fryer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices, mixing with the herbs and seasoning to create a flavorful, aromatic base that will infuse the sausages.
Combine the Ingredients
After the sausage mixture finishes cooking, return to your saucepan with the orzo. Stir in the tomato puree, mixing it well into the orzo to create a rich, tomato-flavored base. Then, add the sausage and tomato mixture from the air fryer into the saucepan. Stir to combine everything together, ensuring the orzo is well-coated with the sausage, tomatoes, and seasoning. Add in the shredded cheddar mozzarella mix and fresh chopped parsley. Continue stirring for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, and the orzo is fully cooked, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Cooking spoon
- Knife and chopping board
Chicken Sausage and Tomato Orzo A Quick and Tasty Meal!
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1 red onion, finely diced
10 chicken sausages
240g orzo
1 chicken stock pot/cube
15 cherry tomatoes, halved
40g sun-dried tomatoes
1 tsp mixed herbs
1 tbsp garlic Italian seasoning
1 tbsp tomato puree
40g cheddar mozzarella mix
Fresh parsley
Directions
- Start with the sausages and onion Add the diced onion and chicken sausages to your air fryer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Cook the orzo While that’s cooking, bring around 600ml of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the orzo and chicken stock pot/cube, and cook for about 7 minutes. At this point, the orzo should absorb most of the liquid but remain a bit watery add more water if needed. Stir occasionally.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning Once the sausages are done, stir them up and break them into pieces with a spatula. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, mixed herbs, and garlic Italian seasoning to the air fryer for an extra 5 minutes of cooking.
- Combine everything Stir the tomato puree into the orzo. Then, add the sausage and tomato mixture from the air fryer to the orzo along with the cheese and fresh parsley. Mix everything well and cook for another minute or two until the orzo is fully cooked and the cheese is melted into the dish.
Notes
- Monitor the water levels while cooking the orzo. Since orzo absorbs liquid quickly, you may need to add extra water or stock to keep it from drying out.
- Check the sausages carefully in the air fryer to ensure they are fully cooked through before breaking them apart.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a light salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
- For a little extra crunch, serve with garlic bread or toasted pita on the side.
- This dish also works well as a make-ahead lunch for the week just reheat it and enjoy!
Fun Fact
Did you know orzo isn’t actually a type of rice? It’s a form of pasta, shaped like grains of rice, and it absorbs all the flavors around it, making it perfect for dishes like this one!
Conclusion
This Chicken Sausage & Tomato Orzo recipe is a great go-to for a simple, tasty, and satisfying meal. With its blend of hearty chicken sausage, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, next time you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal, give this recipe a try. Trust me, it won’t disappoint!
