Sausage and Peppers with Orzo

I haven't cooked a lot with orzo and this recipe makes me want to use it more in our kitchen.  This dish brings out a creaminess that I didn't expect.  Don't be alarmed by how big the salad looks next to the main dish.  I totally had to go back for seconds on this one.

Ingredients:

1 onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 tablespoon EVOO

3/4 lb Italian sausage

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons butter (divided)

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 cup mozzarella cheese (divided)

1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 cups chicken stock

Let's Get Crafty!

Preheat the oven to a low broil

Saute until tender:

1 tablespoon EVOO

1 onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

Then Add to the Veggies and cook until fully cooked through:

3/4 lb Italian sausage

While that is cooking - combine and set aside:

1 tablespoon melted butter 

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 cup mozzarella cheese 

To the veggies and sausage - add and stir together until the butter is melted:

1 tablespoon butter

1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

Then add:

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 cups chicken stock

Heat to a boil - reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked  (about 10-12 minutes.)  You'll want to keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.  You may need to add more chicken stock or water.

Pour into a baking dish and top with the panko and cheese mixture

Low broil for around 5 minutes - keep your eye on it so it doesn't burn

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you have a great day.