TURKEY ORZO PASTA

Turkey Orzo Pasta

Ingredients:

(1) 12 oz box of orzo

(1) 1 lb hot italian turkey sausage (we use Jennie-O)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – just enough for sauteing the vegetables

1/2 yellow onion – chopped

1 yellow pepper – chopped

1 red pepper – -chopped

1 bunch of asparagus – chopped into bite sized pieces (no ends)

(you can add in any other veggies you like as well – broccoli and mushrooms are fantastic in this)

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese – plus extra for garnishing

Directions:

– Cook orzo according to directions on the box. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

– Remove sausage from the casings and in your large dutch oven, brown thoroughly. Remove sausage from the pan, transfer to a paper towel lined plate, and drain off any excess oil. Add the sausage to the previously cooked orzo. Mix

– Back in your large dutch oven, add a small amount of olive oil to saute the vegetables. Saute the onion and peppers until tender. Remove and transfer to the bowl with the orzo. Mix again

– Saute the asparagus until tender and transfer to the bowl with the orzo. Mix again

– Now add 1/2 cup of chicken stock and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan to the orzo mixture

– Transfer the orzo mixture to a baking dish and top with the leftover 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese

– Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbling

Note: You can make this dish as far ahead as you like; it freezes incredibly well.