Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan Italian Sausage Orzo dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Parmesan finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner with a rich blend of spices and fresh basil garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook 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 Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, approximately 3 minutes.
- Toast Orzo: Stir in the dry orzo pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast it, enhancing its flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Orzo: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the mixture is creamy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat evenly.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage to adjust the heat level according to your preference.
- Fresh basil garnish adds a bright, fresh flavor and color contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
