This is one of my favorite fast, easy dishes to make for my family. The fresh ingredients in this healthy, inexpensive meal really make the flavor pop. I hope you enjoy!
Pesto Orzo with Chicken Sausage
Ingredients
For the Pesto
- 2 cups fresh organic basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 3 medium-sized garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated organic parmesan reggiano cheese
- 1/2 cup organic extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Dish:
- 16 oz organic, whole wheat orzo
- 2 tablespoons organic extra virgin olive oil
- 12 – 16 oz organic chicken sausage
- 1/2 green, red, yellow, and orange organic bell peppers, seeded and sliced
- 1/2 large onion, sliced
Instructions
For the Pesto
- Combine basil, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor.
- Pulse a few times.
- While food processor is on, slowly pour in olive oil.
- Scrape down sides with spatula.
- Add cheese and pulse until blended.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Set aside.
For the Dish
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
- When orzo is fully cooked, drain and toss with pesto. Set aside.
- Add oil and sausage to a sauté pan and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Set aside.
- Add peppers and onion to the pan and sauté until slightly tender.
- Slice the sausage. Toss in the pan with the peppers and onions for a few minutes to lightly brown the sausage.
- Serve the peppers, onions, and sausage over the pesto orzo.
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http://www.thethriftymama.com/healthy-inexpensive-meals-pesto-orzo-chicken-sausage.html
Notes:
- Definitely don’t add salt to the pesto until you’ve tasted the blend. The cheese will add a significant amount of flavor. You might not have to add any additional salt.
- I find pine nuts in the produce section of my grocery store. Some people suggest substituting walnuts for the pine nuts, but I’ve never tried this. Leave a comment if you’ve had success with this idea!
- The chicken sausage I have found locally has no preservatives and all fresh ingredients. I feel good about feeding my family food without nitrates and nitrites.
- Save money by making the pesto with leaves from your own basil plant.
- Slice the other half of each of the peppers and onion and put them in a freezer bag in the freezer. These can be used as a great money and time saver for the future.

If you’re looking for other tips on healthy, inexpensive meals, check out:
