Description
This Italian Sausage Orzo is a cozy one-pan dinner made with tender orzo, savory Italian sausage, garlic, diced tomatoes, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese. It is rich, comforting, and easy enough for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium heat so it warms evenly before cooking.
- Add olive oil and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until the sausage is browned and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add the orzo, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and grated parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the dish.
- Spoon into bowls, add extra parmesan if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Brown the sausage well for deeper flavor.
- Stir the orzo occasionally so it cooks evenly and does not stick.
- Add a splash of extra broth when reheating leftovers to bring back the creamy texture.
- Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Italian sausage orzo, one pan pasta, sausage orzo skillet, easy Italian dinner, orzo recipe, weeknight dinner