Low Calorie Chicken Sausage Orzo
A light and flavorful low calorie chicken sausage orzo dish, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken sausage is sautéed with vegetables and combined with orzo pasta for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
8 ounces chicken sausage, casing removed and sliced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the diced zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.
Pour in the orzo pasta and stir to combine with the vegetables.
Add the chicken broth, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and cooked chicken sausage. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.