Zucchini and Sausage Baked Orzo With Hot Honey and Feta Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dish that brings comfort to your table, Zucchini and Sausage Baked Orzo with Hot Honey and Feta might just be what you need. This recipe combines savory ingredients with a surprising hint of sweetness. It’s a straightforward one-pan meal, making cleanup easy. By following the steps ahead, you’ll discover how to create this tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, this Zucchini and Sausage Baked Orzo recipe is a fantastic choice.

It’s nutrient-dense, combining vegetables, protein, and pasta for a balanced meal. You’ll appreciate its versatility; you can customize it with different vegetables and proteins, making it perfect for families with varied tastes. Additionally, the dish features hot Italian sausage, which adds a delightful kick that enhances the overall flavor.

The preparation is straightforward, requiring minimal effort and cooking everything in one pan. You’ll love the unique flavors from hot honey and feta, elevating the dish to something special.

Plus, if you have dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt it to be vegetarian or gluten-free. This recipe truly meets everyone’s needs while being flavorful and satisfying.

History

Orzo has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times, highlighting its evolution from simple grain to a beloved pasta. The origins of pasta, including orzo, trace back to ancient civilizations in the Middle East and Asia. As the concept spread throughout the Mediterranean, Italy became known for refining pasta, making orzo a staple in Italian cuisine. The name “orzo” is Italian for barley, as the pasta resembles barley grains. Over the centuries, orzo’s popularity grew beyond Italy, finding a place in Greek, Turkish, and other Mediterranean dishes. Its versatility allows it to be used in soups, salads, and more, making orzo a global culinary favorite that adapts well to various flavors and recipes. Additionally, orzo is made from durum wheat flour, which differentiates it from traditional grains like rice.

Recipe

Ingredients
– 1 pound hot Italian sausage
– 2 medium zucchini
– ½ large yellow onion
– 1 red bell pepper
– 1 cup sweet corn
– 4 cloves garlic
– 1 pound orzo
– 3 ½ cups chicken broth
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 4 to 6 ounces feta cheese
– Lemon juice
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Hot honey (for garnish)
– Fresh basil (for garnish)
– Lemon zest (for garnish)
– Flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large braiser or oven-safe skillet, cook the hot Italian sausage over medium heat until golden brown, breaking it into chunks as it cooks. Once cooked, remove from the heat and set aside.

In the same skillet, add diced zucchini, chopped onion, sliced red bell pepper, sweet corn, and minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables until the zucchini is caramelized and the liquid has cooked down, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, a splash of lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Fold in the cooked sausage and mix well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Once done, remove from the oven and stir in some of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella and crumbled feta cheese, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once out of the oven, garnish the dish with hot honey, fresh basil, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving. Many users express a desire to include leftovers for future meals, so consider making a larger batch to enjoy later!

For best results, make sure to watch the baking time closely to avoid overcooking the orzo.

You can also customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese to suit your taste. This dish can be prepped ahead of time, allowing for easy reheating when you’re ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious Zucchini and Sausage Baked Orzo!

Final Thoughts

As you consider making Zucchini and Sausage Baked Orzo, keep in mind that this dish isn’t only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or ground meats to suit your taste. This recipe is also an easy one-pot meal, which makes cleanup a breeze.

If you’re looking to prepare meals in advance, this dish freezes well after the initial baking, making it perfect for busy nights. While the cooking time may take longer than suggested, the result is worth it.

This meal offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and veggies, appealing to both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep, storing well for several days.

Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients to make it your own!

FAQ

If you’re curious about making Zucchini and Sausage Baked Orzo, you might’ve some questions.

First, you can customize the recipe by swapping different ground meats or adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. If you need a vegetarian option, just omit the sausage and add white beans or chickpeas. The More Veggies the Better focuses on adding more vegetables to comforting dishes for nourishment and satisfaction.

Leftovers last in the fridge for 4-5 days and can be reheated in the microwave.

When cooking, make sure the sausage is in bite-sized pieces and sauté the zucchini until it releases its liquid. If the orzo isn’t cooking thoroughly, you might need to add more stock.

Finally, you can freeze the dish for later; just reheat it in the oven. Enjoy your cooking!