Hey y'all! If your weeknights need a little magic, this Italian Sausage Orzo recipe is pure comfort in a bowl—hearty, savory, and bursting with Mediterranean flair. Juicy Italian sausage, tender orzo, tomatoes, and fresh spinach come together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and flavors shine. Whether you're feeding a family, hungry guests, or prepping lunches, this dish is sure to become your new favorite. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Italian Sausage Orzo
- Hearty and filling—rich sausage and orzo keep you satisfied all night.
- Ready in under 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- One-pan wonder—less mess, maximum flavor.
- Customizable—you can swap veggies or add extra herbs for a personal twist.
- Kid and crowd-friendly—makes plenty for everyone!
Italian Sausage Orzo Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (200g) dry orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Italian Sausage Orzo
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until well browned and cooked through. Transfer sausage to a plate and drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Toast and Simmer the Orzo
Stir in the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, gently stirring so it doesn’t burn. Return the sausage to the pan, then add diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Finish
Stir in chopped spinach and cook 2 minutes, until just wilted. Remove from heat. Mix in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and black pepper, and garnish with fresh basil as desired. Serve hot!
Italian Sausage Orzo Cooking Notes
- If the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly, add a splash of broth or water until it’s perfectly tender.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor—learn why at Bon Appétit.
- To reduce fat, opt for turkey or chicken Italian sausage instead of pork.
Italian Sausage Orzo Variations
- Cheesy Orzo Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 3-4 minutes until bubbly.
- Veggie-Packed: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with onions for even more texture and nutrients.
- Low-Carb Swap: Use cauliflower rice instead of orzo for a lighter adaptation.
Required Equipment for Italian Sausage Orzo
- Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Chef's knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Italian Sausage Orzo
Cool leftovers to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Italian Sausage Orzo
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
- Serve garlic bread or crusty sourdough on the side for soaking up the sauce.
- Enjoy with a light-bodied red wine (like Chianti or Pinot Noir) or sparkling water with lemon wedges.
Pro Tips for Incredible Italian Sausage Orzo
- For evenly cooked orzo, stir frequently and keep the heat at a steady simmer (Serious Eats has more on pasta techniques).
- Brown the sausage well to develop savory depth and authentic Italian flavor.
- Taste for seasoning at the end—Parmesan is salty, so salt lightly until you’ve mixed it in.
Italian Sausage Orzo FAQ
What kind of Italian sausage should I use?
You can use either sweet/mild or hot Italian sausage, depending on your spice preference. Pork, turkey, or chicken sausage all work great!
Can I make Italian Sausage Orzo ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep it up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently, adding extra broth as needed to maintain creaminess.
Is Italian Sausage Orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo contains wheat, but you can substitute with gluten-free orzo or rice for a gluten-friendly version (visit Celiac.org for more on gluten-free swaps).
Prep & Cook Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
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2Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until vegetables are softened.
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3Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
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4Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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5Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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