Chicken Sausage Pepper Orzo Dish

Chicken, sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and orzo. This is a one pot dish that is simple and easy to make. It is so delicious. It is especially good when you use the peppers, and onions from your garden.

Ingredients

1 Tbs. olive oil
1  lb  boneless chicken thighs, or 2 breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
3 Italian sausages, spicy or sweet, cut into bite size pieces
1 (29 oz.) can diced tomatoes
2 to 3 sweet bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic
3 c. or chicken broth
1 Tbs. tomato paste
2 Tbs. Italian blend seasoning
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 1/2 Tbs. parsley
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 c. uncooked orzo
shredded Parmesan cheese
4 Tbs. ricotta cheese (optional)

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot, over medium high heat.   Add chicken. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until chicken begins to turn opaque.  About 1 to 2 minutes.   

Add the Italian sausages.  Cook and stir until the sausages are browned.

Add peppers, onion,  and garlic. Cook and stir until the onion is translucent.

Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian blend seasoning, red pepper flakes, parsley, and sugar.  Bring the liquid to a simmer.  Stir in the orzo.  

Reduce heat to medium and cook until the orzo is almost tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.  It can take about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the food from sticking on the bottom of the pot. Add salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

Remove from heat.  Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve with a dollop of ricotta cheese.