This hearty Italian Sausage Orzo is the ultimate comfort dish a cozy blend of savory sausage, tender orzo, and wilted spinach, all brought together in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers the taste of a homemade Italian meal in just 30 minutes. Whether you use mild or spicy sausage, this one-pot recipe promises a satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and Italian seasoning, letting the grains toast lightly for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Fold in the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until wilted.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley for a colorful finishing touch.
Variation
- Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist without losing that savory flavor.
- Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese for a luxuriously creamy finish.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts to give the dish an extra burst of Mediterranean flair.
Cooking Notes
- Toasting the orzo briefly in the pot before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor and keeps it from turning mushy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for a smoother melt and richer taste.
- If the mixture thickens too much after resting, simply add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to bring back its silky consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the savory sauce.
- Pair with a fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley just before serving for a restaurant-style presentation.
Tips
- For a bolder flavor, try using spicy Italian sausage and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Keep an eye on the orzo near the end of cooking it continues to absorb liquid even off the heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep it creamy. -
Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely. Small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even couscous work well as substitutes — just adjust the cooking time slightly. -
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for more heartiness. -
How do I make it extra creamy?
Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end of cooking. It creates a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the sausage and spinach.
Conclusion
Italian Sausage Orzo is a hearty, flavor-packed one-pot meal that brings classic Italian comfort to your table in under 30 minutes. With its creamy texture, savory sausage, and tender orzo, this dish is perfect for cozy weeknights or family dinners. Each bite is satisfying, simple, and sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation.
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Italian Sausage Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Italian Sausage Orzo is the ultimate comfort dish a cozy blend of savory sausage, tender orzo, and wilted spinach, all brought together in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers the taste of a homemade Italian meal in just 30 minutes. Whether you use mild or spicy sausage, this one-pot recipe promises a satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and Italian seasoning, letting the grains toast lightly for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Fold in the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until wilted.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley for a colorful finishing touch.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone at the end.
- Substitute kale for spinach if you prefer a heartier green.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully just add a splash of broth to loosen the orzo before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Italian sausage orzo, one-pot pasta, spinach orzo, creamy orzo, sausage pasta