One Pot Sausage and Orzo
One Pot Sausage and Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines Italian sausage, orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a single pot for easy cooking and cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian Sausage, ground or casings removed
- 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta, uncooked
- 1 small Yellow Onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced or pressed
- 3 to 3.5 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium preferred
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach, packed and roughly chopped if leaves are large
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil, extra virgin for sautéing
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning, a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes, optional
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
- Pour the dry orzo into the pan and stir frequently for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Add 3 cups of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir. If too dry, add the remaining broth. The orzo should be tender and the mixture creamy.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and grated parmesan cheese until well combined and the spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
This dish is versatile; you can substitute the sausage with ground turkey or plant-based options. Adjust the vegetables based on preference, and consider adding a splash of white wine for extra flavor.