Easy Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe
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.
Equipment
- 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
- 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
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!