Description
This Italian Sausage Orzo is a hearty and creamy one-pan meal combining savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a flavorful tomato and herb broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to release their flavors.
- Toast the Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, toasting it in the skillet for 1–2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enrich the sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook Orzo: Let the mixture simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Greens and Cheese: Stir in the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the dish becomes creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh basil over the dish before serving warm for a bright, herbal finish.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula if desired.
- Use hot Italian sausage to add extra spiciness to the dish.
