One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta for Busy Weeknights
This easy and delicious one-pot dish combines savory Italian sausage, tender orzo, and a rich, flavorful sauce for a comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes!
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.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!