Description
This creamy Italian Sausage Orzo recipe combines savory Italian sausage with tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful one-pot dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 16 oz Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Orzo 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 fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a soup pot over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the onions: Add the chopped onion to the sausage and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add garlic, red pepper, and orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to coat the orzo and toast slightly.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allowing the orzo to cook until tender.
- Finish with cheese and spinach: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit more heat.
- Fresh baby spinach can be substituted with kale or swiss chard for variation.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though it will be less rich.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking to the pot.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
