Description
This Italian Sausage Orzo recipe is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal that combines flavorful Italian sausage with tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is savory with a hint of spice and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Mixture
- 16 ounces Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or more to taste)
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage meat to a soup pot or Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Sauté the onions: Stir in the chopped onions and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the sausage is browned and the onions have softened.
- Add garlic, spices, and orzo: Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for 30 seconds to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Simmer with broth and cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. When the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The orzo will absorb the liquid and become tender.
- Finish with cheese and spinach: Remove the pot from heat, stir in the grated parmesan and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use Italian sausage without casings so it cooks evenly and mixes well with the orzo.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit them for a milder dish.
- Stir frequently during the simmering step to prevent the orzo from sticking and burning on the bottom of the pot.
- If the sauce is too thick after resting, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
