Smoky Sausage, Tomato, and Broccoli Orzo Skillet

The Smoky Sausage, Tomato, and Broccoli Orzo Skillet is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines a variety of textures and tastes to create a delightfully simple dining experience.

Flavor Profile

• Smoked Sausage: Smoked sausage offers a rich, deep flavor with smoky overtones. It adds a savory and mildly spicy element that pairs excellently with the other ingredients.
• Broccoli: Broccoli introduces a fresh, slightly earthy taste and a contrasting texture. Its crunch and mild flavor provide a balance to the more pronounced flavors of the sausage and tomatoes.
• San Marzano Tomatoes: These tomatoes are prized for their sweet flavor and low acidity, contributing a bright, fresh quality to the dish. They bring a natural sweetness and a slight tanginess that complements the smoky notes of the sausage.
• Orzo: Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, absorbs the flavors of the dish beautifully, providing a subtle, pasta-like base that ties all the components together harmoniously.
• Fresh Basil: The inclusion of fresh basil adds an aromatic, herby note. Its freshness cuts through the richness of the dish, adding depth and a burst of color.
• Farmer’s Cheese: As a garnish, crumbled farmer’s cheese adds a delightful creaminess and a tangy contrast to the elements in the dish. Its mild and slightly tangy flavor enhances the overall richness and complexity of the skillet.

The dish offers an appealing variety of textures: the firm bite of al dente orzo, the crisp-tender broccoli, the juicy and soft tomatoes, and the hearty slices of sausage. This combination ensures that each bite is both interesting and satisfying. The skillet is visually appealing, with the vibrant green of the broccoli and basil, the red of the tomatoes, and the golden-brown sausage creating an inviting presentation.

This skillet meal is well-rounded nutritionally. The sausage provides protein, the orzo offers carbohydrates, and the broccoli brings in fiber and vitamins. The tomatoes contribute additional vitamins and antioxidants.

Smoky Sausage, Tomato, and Broccoli Orzo Skillet is a celebration of flavors and textures, combining hearty ingredients with fresh, aromatic herbs and cheese. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s versatile enough for a weeknight family dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. The inclusion of fresh basil and farmer’s cheese adds a gourmet touch that makes the dish feel special.

Wine Pairing Recommendations

• Grenache (Garnacha): Grenache, known for its berry flavors and subtle spiciness, can complement the smokiness of the sausage and the tanginess of the farmer’s cheese. Its medium body and fruity profile won’t overpower the dish but will nicely balance the richness.
• Chianti: Chianti, a classic Italian red wine from Tuscany, is known for its bright acidity and flavors of cherry, earth, and herbs. This profile makes it an excellent match for dishes with tomato-based sauces, like your skillet dish. The acidity of Chianti cuts through the richness of the sausage and complements the San Marzano tomatoes, while its subtle herbal notes can enhance the fresh basil in the dish.
• Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio, particularly from the northeastern regions of Italy, offers a light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing counterpoint to the dish. With its subtle citrus and green apple notes, it can lighten the overall experience of the meal, providing a nice contrast to the smoky and earthy flavors.

Smoky Sausage, Tomato, and Broccoli Orzo Skillet

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

The Smoky Sausage, Tomato, and Broccoli Orzo Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring a savory blend of smoked sausage, tangy San Marzano tomatoes, fresh broccoli, and tender orzo pasta, perfectly accented with fresh basil and creamy farmer’s cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage, thinly sliced into rounds

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped

• 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup basil, freshly chopped

• 1/2 cup farmers cheese

• salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Cast iron skilletBuy now
• KinfeBuy now
• Cooking spoonBuy now

Directions

• Cook the Sausage:
  Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Sauté Onion and Garlic:
  In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add Orzo and Tomatoes:
  Add the orzo to the skillet and saute for about 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Pour in the San Marzano tomatoes with their juices, and stir to combine.
• Simmer and Cook Broccoli:
  Pour in the vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the chopped broccoli to the skillet, and stir to incorporate. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  
• Add Basil and Sausage:
  Stir in the freshly chopped basil and cooked sausage. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined, and then turn off the heat. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
• Finishing Touches and Serve:
  Serve hot. Top with farmer’s cheese, and garnish with additional chopped basil.
  
  Enjoy!