Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s bold, creamy, and comes together in a single skillet, you’re going to swoon over this Italian Sausage Orzo. Tender orzo pasta soaks up a luscious, Parmesan-flecked sauce, mingling with savory Italian sausage and vibrant spinach for a dish that feels both homey and a little bit luxurious. This recipe is one of my absolute weeknight favorites, and with its quick cooking time and crowd-pleasing flavors, I promise it’s about to earn rockstar status in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Sausage Orzo recipe shines with a handful of simple ingredients—each one playing an important role in the dish’s taste, texture, and dazzling appeal. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to guarantee your skillet is as irresistible as possible:
- Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy depending on your mood—either way, the sausage brings a smoky, herby punch to every bite.
- Olive oil: Just a splash for sautéing; it adds silkiness and helps everything brown beautifully.
- Yellow onion: Diced small, this adds sweetness and backbone to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the skillet with unmistakable aroma and flavor.
- Orzo pasta: This little rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up every bit of flavor—we’re talking major comfort factor!
- Chicken broth: Using a good broth brings depth and keeps the orzo ultra creamy.
- Heavy cream: For that dreamy, rich finish. You can swap for half-and-half if you want something lighter.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh is best for gorgeous, melty ribbons that bind the sauce.
- Baby spinach: A handful of greens brightens the whole skillet and wilts down into lovely little flecks.
- Dried oregano: Just a pinch brings a classic Italian herbal note.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, this finishing touch wakes everything up—totally adjustable!
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste; a little at the end brings everything into balance.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): That pop of color right before serving makes every bowl look restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Italian Sausage Orzo
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and use a spoon to break it up into tasty crumbles as it cooks. Let it sizzle until it’s deeply browned and cooked through—this step builds the foundation of flavor, and those browned bits will work magic in the final sauce. Once the sausage is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and set aside, but keep those delicious drippings in the pan!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in your diced onion. Let it soften and turn translucent, stirring often, for about three minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about thirty seconds. Don’t rush this step; a gentle sauté brings out sweetness from the onion and infuses every corner of your skillet with that can’t-wait-to-eat aroma.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Now it’s time for the orzo to shine! Add it straight into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir and let it toast for a minute or two until it’s lightly golden—this step coaxes out a subtle nutty flavor and keeps the orzo from going mushy. Trust me, that little extra toast is worth it!
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour in your chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. The orzo will drink in all those savory flavors and become tender, with most of the liquid absorbed. Give it a stir halfway through so nothing sticks.
Step 5: Stir in Cream, Cheese, Spinach, and Sausage
When the orzo is tender and wonderfully plump, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, cooked sausage, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you like heat). Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes—just until the spinach wilts, cheese melts, and everything turns luxuriously creamy. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and black pepper. Finish with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color!
How to Serve Italian Sausage Orzo
Garnishes
For a skillet that looks just as fantastic as it tastes, garnish your Italian Sausage Orzo with extra grated Parmesan and a flurry of fresh parsley right before serving. A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil brings even more richness, and if you love heat, a final pinch of red pepper flakes never hurts. These small touches take each bowl from cozy to completely craveable.
Side Dishes
While this Italian Sausage Orzo is hearty enough to command center stage, it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette or a stack of warm, crusty bread for mopping up the creamy sauce. Sometimes I’ll add garlicky roasted broccoli or a platter of marinated tomatoes for a more festive spread. It’s a flexible dish that loves a supporting cast!
Creative Ways to Present
Shake things up and serve your Italian Sausage Orzo straight from the skillet family-style, or portion it into shallow bowls with a swirl of cream and a few extra sausage crumbles on top. For dinner parties, spoon it into small ramekins or colorful bowls for a fun, bistro-inspired vibe. You can even use it as a base for baked eggs—just crack an egg over the skillet and slide it under the broiler until just-set for a brunchy twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Sausage Orzo keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Transfer cooled orzo to an airtight container; its rich, comforting flavors only deepen as it rests. When you’re ready for round two, you’ll have a quick, delicious meal already waiting!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Italian Sausage Orzo for future meals! Allow it to cool completely, then scoop into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. A splash of extra broth or cream while reheating brings the sauce back to its silky self.
Reheating
For the creamiest results, reheat leftover orzo on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a little chicken broth, water, or cream to help loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works fine for individual portions—just stir halfway through and be sure not to overcook. The flavors only get better the next day!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Italian Sausage Orzo is just as delicious with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles. Adjust spices to taste and enjoy the same great creamy one-pan goodness.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite plant-based cream for the heavy cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. The dish will still be rich and satisfying—just double check your sausage is also dairy-free.
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Definitely! Swap in baby kale or regular kale (diced small) for a heartier green. Allow a few extra minutes for the kale to soften in the creamy sauce.
What’s the best way to prevent the orzo from sticking?
Give the orzo a good stir once or twice during simmering, and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan. If things look a little dry before the orzo is tender, just add a splash more chicken broth and keep stirring.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Italian Sausage Orzo doubles easily. Use the largest skillet you have or split between two pans, and keep an eye on liquid levels; you might need a touch more broth as you scale up to keep everything creamy and luscious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that brings together the bold flavors of Italian sausage, creamy Parmesan, and silky pasta in one crowd-pleasing dish, Italian Sausage Orzo is your answer. It’s the very definition of comfort food—fast, unfussy, and oh-so-satisfying. Bust out a skillet and give this recipe a spot on your weeknight rotation; you might just find yourself craving it again before the week is through!
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Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Italian Sausage Orzo, a creamy one-pot pasta dish that is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe combines savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of spinach for added freshness.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage Orzo:
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
Creamy Sauce:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup baby spinach (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Italian Sausage: In a large skillet, brown and crumble the Italian sausage until cooked through. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in orzo and cook until slightly golden. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in cream, Parmesan, spinach, sausage, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use turkey sausage if preferred.
- Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
