Italian Sausage Orzo
Dive into a creamy, comforting bowl of Italian Sausage Orzo, the ultimate one-pot meal for busy weeknights. This dish combines hearty Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh baby spinach, all enveloped in a rich, Parmesan-infused cream sauce.
Perfectly balanced with bold flavors and silky textures, this quick recipe is ideal for family dinners or when you crave something simple yet indulgent. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine
- Italian sausage – Adds bold, savory flavor and hearty texture to the dish.
- Orzo pasta – Delivers a delicate, creamy bite while soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Chicken broth – Infuses the dish with a depth of savory richness.
- Heavy cream – Creates a luscious, velvety sauce to bind all the ingredients.
- Fresh baby spinach – Brings a pop of freshness and balances the richness.
- Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a nutty, umami-packed finish.
- Garlic and onions – Elevates the dish with aromatic sweetness and warmth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, for a subtle kick of heat.
How to Create Italian Sausage Orzo Bliss
- Sauté the Italian sausage in a large pot until browned and crumbly.
- Add onions and continue cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and orzo for a quick toasting.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, letting the mixture simmer gently while stirring.
- Once the orzo is tender, fold in Parmesan and fresh spinach, letting the spinach wilt.
- Season to taste, then serve this creamy delight warm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage Orzo
For a more vibrant presentation, consider topping with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. If you prefer a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or increase the red pepper flakes. Substitute kale for spinach if you want a sturdier green or use gluten-free orzo to make it accessible to everyone.
Adding a splash of white wine while cooking the sausage elevates the flavors further. To ensure the creamiest consistency, avoid overcooking the orzo, as it will continue to soften as it rests.
Storing and Reheating Italian Sausage Orzo
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid freezing as the orzo may lose its texture.
Enjoy this Italian-inspired comfort meal any day of the week—it’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor!
Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 16 ounces Italian sausage see notes
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach packed
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the sausage meat to a Dutch oven or large soup pot. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the chopped onions and sauté with the sausage for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and the onions have softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and orzo, allowing the mixture to cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Cook uncovered for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot. Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil to ensure the liquid doesn’t evaporate too quickly.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan and baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it rest for 3–5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the spinach to wilt.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use about 16 oz (1 lb) of sausage. If using sausage links, remove the casings before cooking.
- Adjust the liquid amounts as needed based on your stove and pot; add extra broth or cream if the mixture appears dry or let it rest longer if it seems too wet.
- Orzo is a type of pasta. If substituting rice, you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid quantities.