Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian Sausage Orzo is a one-pot wonder that’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. The Italian sausage adds a savory, juicy depth to the dish, while the orzo provides a soft, chewy texture that complements the sauce perfectly. A hint of garlic, a touch of tomato, and fragrant herbs make this dish irresistible. Plus, it’s super easy to make, requiring minimal prep and cleanup, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a bit for flavor.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the orzo and Italian seasoning. Stir well, then cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie-packed alternative.
- Spicy kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce to give the dish an extra bit of heat.
- Cheese lovers: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese to make the dish even creamier and cheesier.
- Add veggies: For extra nutrition, throw in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers while cooking the onions and garlic.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the orzo with other small pasta like ditalini, farfalle, or even penne. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the pasta you use.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dish up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving.
3. Can I freeze Italian Sausage Orzo?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What can I serve this dish with?
Italian Sausage Orzo pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, you could also serve it with steamed broccoli or a green bean almondine.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, you can use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Adjust according to your heat preference.
6. Is there a non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk combined with a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
7. Can I use ground turkey instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative. Just season it with a bit of fennel, garlic, and crushed red pepper to mimic the flavor of Italian sausage.
8. Can I make this a one-pot dish?
Yes! This recipe is already cooked in one skillet, which means less cleanup. The orzo absorbs the liquid and flavors directly in the pan.
9. What kind of sausage is best for this recipe?
Italian sausage (either mild or spicy) works best for this dish. It’s flavorful and adds richness to the sauce. If you prefer a different type of sausage, such as chicken sausage, that will work too.
10. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for additional texture and nutrients. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic for a few minutes before adding the liquids.
Conclusion
This Italian Sausage Orzo is the perfect comfort food: hearty, flavorful, and simple to prepare. With its rich creamy sauce, tender orzo, and savory sausage, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your weeknight rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying leftovers for lunch, it’s a meal everyone will love!
Italian Sausage Orzo
SEO Optimized Description: This Italian Sausage Orzo recipe is a flavorful one-pot dish that combines savory Italian sausage with tender orzo pasta, rich tomatoes, and herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s quick and delicious with a balance of protein, pasta, and vegetables. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Italy in this simple yet satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For added richness, you can use half and half or cream in place of some of the chicken broth.
- Feel free to swap the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- This recipe is versatile and can include extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
