One Pan Turkey Sausage Pesto Orzo

This easy turkey sausage pesto orzo is a flavorful one-pan dinner with white beans, peas, corn, and lemon. Ready in about 35 minutes!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 500kcal

Brown the turkey sausage: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound turkey sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Cook the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add ½ cup yellow onion, diced, to the same skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Build the orzo: Stir in 1 ½ cup orzo and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and cook for about 1 minute. Add 3 cups broth and stir.
Cook the orzo: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.
Add 1 cup frozen peas, and 1 cup frozen corn and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the vegetables are heated.
Then stir in the cooked turkey sausage, 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed and ½ cup pesto and stir. If the orzo becomes too thick before it is tender, add a splash of chicken broth.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat and let the orzo sit for 2–3 minutes. Serve with ½ lemon, cut into wedges, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Add extra pesto on top for even more flavor.