This One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta is an easy and tasty meal that brings lots of flavors together. Juicy sausage, tender orzo, and vibrant veggies make it a winner!
You’ll love how everything cooks in one pot—less mess for you! I often make this when I want comfort food without all the fuss. Perfect for busy nights! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the dish, bringing a great flavor. You can use either spicy or mild sausage depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey or chicken sausage.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a small pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor well. If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the dish. Feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even water if you don’t have broth on hand, though the flavor will be milder.
Fresh Spinach: It adds color and nutrients! You can swap it out with kale or Swiss chard if you prefer, or even frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
How Do You Avoid Overcooked Orzo?
The key to perfectly cooked orzo is to keep an eye on the timing. After adding the broth and other ingredients, bring everything to a gentle simmer. It cooks quickly, so set a timer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Check for doneness a minute or so early; it should be al dente, or firm to the bite.
- If it looks dry but isn’t tender, add a splash of extra broth or water slowly, until the right consistency is reached.
By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious, easy meal that everyone will love! Enjoy cooking!
One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, sliced into rounds or crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup tomato sauce or tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Sausage:
Begin by heating a large deep skillet or a wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If your sausage is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to help with browning.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
Next, remove about half of the cooked sausage from the pan and set it aside if you want a bit of texture in the dish. Now, add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan with the remaining sausage and drippings. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Toasting the Orzo:
Stir in the orzo pasta and lightly toast it for 1-2 minutes. This step adds a lovely, nutty flavor and enhances the dish.
4. Mixing in the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well and bring your mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmering the Dish:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for about 10 minutes. You want the orzo to be tender and most of the liquid absorbed, so stir it occasionally to keep sticking to a minimum.
6. Adding Spinach and Reserved Sausage:
When the orzo is cooked through, stir in the reserved sausage (if you took any out earlier) and the chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.
7. Final Touches and Serving:
Give it all a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy your delightful, comforting one-pot meal!
This hearty dish is not just easy to make but also guarantees a delicious dinner everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo is the star of this dish, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape, such as ditalini or even mini shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly depending on the pasta used.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the Italian sausage and substitute it with your favorite plant-based protein or additional vegetables. You can use mushrooms for a meaty texture and ensure to use vegetable broth for added flavor.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta is delicious on its own, but for a complete meal, consider serving it with a side salad or garlic bread. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also elevate the flavors!
