Some of my favorite meals come together when I’m just trying to use up ingredients I already have at home. That’s exactly how this Italian Sausage Orzo became a regular in my kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels like comfort food but is still simple enough for a busy weeknight.

I love how quickly orzo cooks, and when you pair it with the bold flavors of Italian sausage, garlic, and tomatoes, you get a meal that tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, something hearty to meal prep for the week, or a dish that will impress guests without much effort, this Italian Sausage Orzo is a must-try.

Servings	Total
6	40mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

Like most of my favorite recipes, this one started as an experiment. I had a package of Italian sausage in the fridge, some orzo in the pantry, and no real dinner plan. I decided to cook them together with a little garlic, tomatoes, and broth to see what would happen.

What I ended up with was a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that didn’t even need a sauce—the orzo absorbed all the delicious flavors from the sausage and broth. I added a little Parmesan on top, and just like that, I had a new favorite one-pan meal.

Since then, I’ve made a few small tweaks, like adding spinach for freshness and red pepper flakes for a little heat, but the basic idea has stayed the same. It’s an easy, reliable dish that never disappoints.

Why Italian Sausage Orzo?

There are so many reasons this recipe has become a go-to in my house:

One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup.
Bold and Flavorful: Italian sausage, garlic, and tomatoes create a rich, satisfying taste.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Comforting but Not Heavy: It’s creamy and hearty without being overly rich.
Customizable: You can switch up the sausage, add more veggies, or even make it spicy.

What Is Italian Sausage Orzo Made Of?

This dish is made with simple, flavorful ingredients:

Italian Sausage: Either sweet, mild, or spicy—whatever you like best!
Orzo Pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavor beautifully.
Garlic and Onion: Adds depth to the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes or Diced Tomatoes: Brings freshness and acidity.
Chicken Broth: Helps cook the orzo while adding extra flavor.
Spinach: Adds a touch of freshness and color.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the dish for a creamy finish.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you like a little spice.

What to Have with Italian Sausage Orzo

This dish is great on its own, but if you want to serve it with something, here are some ideas:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of flavor.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances out the richness.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: If you want to add more protein to the meal.

Is Italian Sausage Orzo Healthy?

This dish is rich and flavorful, but it can be made healthier by:

Using lean Italian turkey sausage instead of pork.
Choosing whole wheat orzo for more fiber.
Adding extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Kitchen Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

Large skillet or Dutch oven (for a true one-pan meal)
Cutting board and knife (for prepping ingredients)
Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Orzo Dish:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or spicy), casing removed
½ small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnishing (Optional):

Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley

Directions:

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
Remove excess grease if needed, but leave a little for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the onion to the pan and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sausage and aromatics.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and reduce heat to low.
Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Cheese

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Remove from heat and add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips

Use Good-Quality Sausage: It’s the main flavor, so pick one you love!
Let the Orzo Absorb the Flavor: Stir occasionally so it soaks up all the broth.
Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and has more flavor than pre-grated cheese.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous work well.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the orzo may soften slightly after freezing. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Conclusion

This Easy Italian Sausage Orzo is creamy, flavorful, and packed with bold Italian flavors. With juicy sausage, tender orzo, and a touch of Parmesan, it’s a special meal without much effort. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to be a hit.

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