Italian Sausage Orzo – This Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe is a quick. And comforting one-pot dish. Perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring savory Italian sausage, creamy orzo pasta, and fresh spinach. And a hint of parmesan. It’s a meal. That brings hearty Italian flavors. To your table in just 30 minutes.
The first time I made this Italian Sausage Orzo. It was a weeknight. And I needed something fast. And satisfying. My husband and our child were hungry. And I wanted to whip up something. That would please everyone. I decided to experiment with orzo. And Italian sausage. Adding some cream and spinach for extra flavor. And nutrition. To my delight. They both loved it. And now it’s a family favorite. That I turn to whenever I need a quick. And delicious meal.
What makes this Italian Sausage Orzo truly special?
This recipe is not only quick and easy. But it’s also cooked in just one pot. Making cleanup a breeze. The combination of creamy orzo, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach. Is both comforting. And flavorful. It’s a versatile dish. That can be easily adapted. To suit your family’s tastes. Whether you want to add more vegetables. Or spice things up. With extra red pepper flakes.
What You Need To Make This Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe?
Italian Sausage: Choose your favorite type—spicy or mild. Depending on your preference. The sausage adds depth. And richness to the dish.
Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta is perfect for absorbing flavors. And cooking quickly. It creates a creamy, risotto-like texture. Without the extra time and effort.
Chicken Broth: Adds flavor. And helps cook the orzo to perfection. You can use low-sodium broth if you prefer. To control the saltiness.
Heavy Cream: This adds a luscious creaminess to the dish. For a lighter version. You can substitute with half-and-half.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan. Adds a nutty, savory flavor. It’s best to grate it yourself. For the freshest taste.
Baby Spinach: Packed with nutrients. The spinach adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor. That complements the rich sauce.
Steps To Make Italian Sausage Orzo:
Step 1: Start by heating a large pot. Over medium-high heat. And adding the Italian sausage. Let it cook. Breaking it up with a spoon. As it browns. After about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Toss in the chopped onion. Letting it soften. And soak up all those delicious sausage flavors. When the onion is tender. Stir in the minced garlic. And a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. For a little kick.
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Step 3: Next, add the orzo. And give everything a good stir. To coat the pasta. In the savory juices.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth. And heavy cream. Then bring the mixture. To a gentle simmer. Stir frequently. Making sure the orzo doesn’t stick. To the bottom of the pot. After about 10 minutes. When the orzo is perfectly tender. Remove the pot from the heat.
Step 5: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan. And a couple of handfuls of spinach. Cover the pot for a few minutes. To let the spinach wilt. And the flavors meld together. Finish with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Then serve immediately.
Tip:
For the best flavor. Use freshly grated parmesan cheese. Instead of the pre-grated variety. The freshly grated cheese melts beautifully into the sauce. Creating a creamier, more luxurious texture. If you want to elevate the dish even further. Try adding a splash of white wine. After browning the sausage. And onions. This adds a subtle depth of flavor. That complements the richness of the cream. And parmesan. And here’s a little secret. If you let the orzo sit for a few minutes. After adding the spinach. It will absorb even more of the creamy sauce. Making each bite. More flavorful and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare this dish in advance. Simply reheat it gently on the stove. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream. To loosen up the sauce if needed.
What can I use instead of orzo?
If you don’t have orzo. You can use small pasta like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian. By using a plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. Instead of chicken broth.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 oz. Italian sausage
- 1/2 of a medium onion finely chopped
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste, optional
- 1 c orzo pasta uncooked
- 2 c of chicken broth
- 1 c of heavy cream
- 1/2 c parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 c fresh baby spinach tightly packed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper adjusted to your preference
Instructions
- Start by adding the sausage. To a large soup pot or Dutch oven. And cook over medium-high heat. For about 5 minutes.
- Next, mix in the chopped onions. And continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Or until the sausage is browned. And the onions are tender.
- Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and orzo. Stirring for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Bringing the mixture to a gentle bubble. Continue to cook for 10 minutes. Stirring frequently. To prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot. You may need to reduce. The heat to medium. Or medium-low. To maintain a gentle simmer. Without reducing the liquid too quickly.
- Once the pasta is cooked. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan. And fresh spinach. Then cover the pot for 3-5 minutes. Allowing the mixture to thicken. To your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning. With salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
5 Responses
Easy to put together; great flavors. I had sun dried tomatoes on hand and tossed in a handful that complemented everything else. Family enjoyed—no left overs! Thanks for sharing.
Nutritional data would be helpful
Hi Thomas! Just added the nutritional information – feel free to check it out now! 😊
This recipe is marked gluten free – I’m wondering where you find gluten free orzo. Or what brand you use. TIA!
I usually grab gluten-free orzo from Walmart, but I’ve also seen it at Kroger and a few other stores. It’s usually in the pasta or gluten-free aisle. Hope that helps!