Italian Sausage Orzo is the kind of meal that makes every night feel special, no matter how busy you are. Picture a skillet packed with juicy Italian sausage, velvety orzo pasta, vibrant veggies, and a creamy, cheesy finish — all ready in about half an hour! This dish hits all the marks: bold flavors, cozy comfort, and that beautiful one-pan convenience. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner for the family or looking to impress your friends, Italian Sausage Orzo is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Italian Sausage Orzo is chosen for the way it builds flavor, color, or mouthfeel. You’ll only need pantry staples and a few fridge must-haves to create a dish that tastes like a long-simmered classic, but comes together in minutes.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The key to rich, robust flavor — pick your favorite heat level!
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth, mellowing out the dish as it cooks.
- Garlic: For an aromatic punch that makes the whole kitchen smell irresistible.
- Red bell pepper: Adds color, light sweetness, and a crisp-tender texture.
- Dry orzo pasta: This tiny pasta cooks right in the sauce for that creamy, risotto-style finish.
- Diced tomatoes with juices: Give a bright, tangy base and keep everything moist.
- Chicken broth: Layers in savory richness and helps cook the orzo perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to tie all the classic flavors together.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like things spicy.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance every bite without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Brings a hint of warmth to round out the flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts in at the end for a burst of color and fresh earthiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts to create a creamy, savory finish.
- Chopped fresh basil (for garnish): Adds aroma and a pop of green that makes the whole dish inviting.
How to Make Italian Sausage Orzo
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in the Italian sausage (casings removed) and break it up as it cooks. Sizzle and brown the sausage for 5–7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and any bits are a little crispy. That golden color means tons of flavor!
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Peppers
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper right into the sausage. Stir it all around and let it soften and mingle for about 3 minutes. The onions and pepper get tender, while the garlic perfumes the pan. You’ll see the colors deepen and the mixture become fragrant and inviting.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Pour in the dry orzo pasta and stir everything together. Let the orzo toast in the sausage mixture for 1–2 minutes, just long enough to pick up some color and soak up the flavors already in the pan. Toasted orzo has a nutty aroma that gives Italian Sausage Orzo a wonderful depth.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Time to bring everything together. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you want extra kick, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the orzo soaks up all those amazing flavors!
Step 5: Simmer and Cook Orzo
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover your skillet. Let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes. When the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, you’re ready for the next quick step. The whole dish should be creamy but not soupy.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Stir the chopped spinach into the hot orzo mixture until wilted, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. The result? An irresistibly creamy skillet of Italian Sausage Orzo packed with flavor and a beautiful color contrast. Let it rest off-heat for 5 minutes to set.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Orzo
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh basil instantly elevates Italian Sausage Orzo, bringing brightness and a burst of green at first glance. Add an extra shower of Parmesan for gooey cheese lovers, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for vibrant color and a touch more heat.
Side Dishes
Serve a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette or a plate of garlicky roasted vegetables on the side for a light and fresh counterpoint. Warm, crusty bread is ideal for mopping up every last creamy spoonful of Italian Sausage Orzo left in your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner-party twist, spoon Italian Sausage Orzo into individual ramekins, top with a bit more Parmesan, and broil until golden and bubbly. Or, for cozy family-style service, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone help themselves — it’s as inviting as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Italian Sausage Orzo keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in a sealed container to keep everything fresh and creamy, and don’t forget to save a little extra Parmesan for reheating!
Freezing
You can freeze Italian Sausage Orzo for up to two months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as usual — just know the orzo may soften a touch, but the flavors will still shine.
Reheating
To reheat, scoop your portion into a saucepan or skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, then warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Microwaving also works well, especially in short bursts to avoid drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage will work beautifully in Italian Sausage Orzo, delivering a lighter but still delicious flavor. Just be sure to choose a sausage with seasonings you enjoy.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even arborio rice are good substitutes if orzo isn’t handy. Adjust cooking time as needed — just keep an eye on the liquid so nothing sticks.
How spicy is the dish?
The level of spice depends on whether you use mild or spicy Italian sausage and if you add red pepper flakes. It’s easy to tailor the heat to your liking, so start with less and add more if needed!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based crumbles or Italian-style meatless sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the recipe stays just as hearty and comforting.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Definitely — Italian Sausage Orzo welcomes extra veggies! Try tossing in zucchini, mushrooms, or even some kale with the onions and peppers for more flavor, color, and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t fallen in love with Italian Sausage Orzo yet, just wait until your first bite! It’s fast, full of flavor, and meant for sharing with the people you love. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight hero.
Print
Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pan Italian Sausage Orzo dish that is both satisfying and easy to make. This creamy pasta recipe features Italian sausage, orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, all cooked together in a savory broth seasoned with Italian spices.
Ingredients
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
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook Sausage: Add Italian sausage and cook until browned.
- Add Aromatics: Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
- Toast Orzo: Stir in orzo and toast briefly.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add tomatoes, broth, seasonings; simmer until orzo is cooked.
- Finish Dish: Stir in spinach and Parmesan until creamy; let rest and garnish before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, consider adding heavy cream or mascarpone at the end.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
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