One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta for Busy Weeknights

By: Maria
Posted: 03/28/2025

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner option? This One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta for Busy Weeknights is the perfect solution! It’s a flavorful, hearty dish made with juicy Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce—all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Plus, with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s ideal for those hectic evenings when time is limited.

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Ingredients

To make this One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta, you’ll need:

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 cup orzo pasta
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Substitutions

Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem! Here are some simple swaps:

Italian Sausage – Swap for ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
Orzo Pasta – Use small pasta like ditalini, couscous, or even rice.
Heavy Cream – Substitute with half-and-half, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
Parmesan Cheese – Try Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

How to Make One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Orzo and Liquids

Stir in the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until creamy and heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Mix-Ins

Enhance your One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta with these tasty mix-ins:

Veggies – Add spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Protein – Mix in shrimp or shredded chicken for extra protein.
Cheese – Top with extra cheese like mozzarella for a cheesy, melty finish.

Recipe Tips

Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking.
Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
Adjust seasoning to your taste by adding more garlic, herbs, or spice.
Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Version – Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
Creamy Garlic Version – Increase garlic and add more Parmesan for an ultra-rich taste.
Mediterranean Style – Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a fresh twist.
Low-Carb Option – Swap orzo for cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells work well. Just adjust the liquid as needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

What can I serve with this dish?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with this pasta.

This One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta for Busy Weeknights is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Try it tonight and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort! 🍝🔥

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta ahead of time, and if so, how should I store it?

Yes, this dish is excellent for making ahead! Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating from the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.

What are the best ingredient substitutions if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?

You have several options for substitutions! For the Italian sausage, use ground turkey, chicken sausage, or a plant-based sausage, adjusting the cooking time as needed. If you don’t have orzo, try ditalini, couscous, or even rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid, as different pasta shapes cook at varying rates. For the heavy cream, half-and-half, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt can be used as alternatives. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, or nutritional yeast are good substitutes.

How do I know when the One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta is perfectly cooked?

The pasta is perfectly cooked when the orzo is tender but still has a slight bite, typically after simmering for 10-12 minutes. Visually, the orzo should appear plump and no longer chalky. The sauce should have thickened slightly, clinging to the pasta and sausage. You can also taste-test the orzo to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of tenderness.

Can I double or scale up the One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta recipe to feed a larger group?

Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe. If doubling, use a larger pot or skillet to accommodate the increased volume. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly, especially for the orzo, so monitor it closely and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Adjust the seasoning to taste as needed. For even larger batches, consider cooking in two separate pots to ensure even cooking.

What are the nutritional highlights of this One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta?

This dish provides a good source of protein from the Italian sausage and dairy, and carbohydrates from the orzo pasta. The diced tomatoes contribute vitamins A and C, and fiber. The addition of vegetables like onion and garlic adds further vitamins and antioxidants. The chicken broth provides some hydration and minerals, while the olive oil contributes healthy fats.