Italian Sausage Orzo is a one-pan wonder packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. This dish combines tender orzo pasta, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant vegetables in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- A complete meal made in one pan—minimal cleanup!
- Loaded with bold flavors and hearty textures.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- Orzo pasta
- Onion, garlic, and bell peppers
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Find the full list of ingredients with measurements below.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the pan. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Stir the uncooked orzo pasta into the pan with the vegetables. Cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the orzo and enhance its flavor.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Cook
Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10–12 minutes.
Step 5: Combine with Sausage
Stir the cooked sausage back into the pan. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Choose your sausage wisely: Mild sausage works well for a family-friendly version, while spicy sausage adds a kick for heat lovers.
- Keep an eye on the liquid: Add more broth if needed to prevent the orzo from sticking or drying out.
- Toast the orzo: This step enhances the nutty flavor and adds depth to the dish.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use ground chicken or turkey as a lighter alternative to sausage.
- Add leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this Italian Sausage Orzo with a crisp green salad and a side of garlic bread. For drinks, pair it with a light red wine like Chianti or a refreshing sparkling water. It’s also fantastic with roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use whole wheat orzo?
Yes, whole wheat orzo is a great option for added fiber and nutrients. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the sausage and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q3: What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella, Asiago, or a dollop of ricotta can be used for a creamy twist.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze the cooked orzo and sausage mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Italian Sausage Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s as easy as it is satisfying. With its tender pasta, savory sausage, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Whip up this hearty dish for dinner and enjoy the delicious simplicity of a one-pan meal!
Print
Italian Sausage Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty and flavorful Italian Sausage Orzo is a one-pot meal that’s both comforting and easy to make. With tender orzo pasta, juicy Italian sausage, and a medley of vegetables in a savory sauce, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Toast the Orzo:
- Add the orzo to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring often, until slightly toasted.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Cover and let the mixture simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm. Pair with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt.
- You can add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg