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.
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! 🍝🔥
One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta for Busy Weeknights
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter version
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup baby spinach optional, for added greens
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Add onion and cook until softened (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
- Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and combined.
- Add baby spinach (if using) and let it wilt.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions:
- ✅ Pair with a crusty garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- ✅ Enjoy with a glass of red wine (like Chianti or Merlot) for an extra cozy dinner!
Pro Tips:
- ✔ Use spicy Italian sausage if you love a little heat.
- ✔ For extra veggies, add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers while sautéing the onions.
- ✔ Substitutes: Swap orzo for small pasta like ditalini or even rice for a different twist.
Notes
Notes:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth or milk while reheating to keep it creamy.
- Freezing: This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce, but you can freeze it before adding the heavy cream.
