This Easy One-Pot Italian Sausage Orzo Dinner is a dream come true for busy nights! With tasty Italian sausage, tender orzo, and flavorful veggies, it’s all cooked together in one pot.
You’ll love how simple it is—just toss everything in, simmer, and relax while it cooks. Plus, less cleanup means more time for you to enjoy that delicious meal. Who doesn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage works well too. For a vegetarian twist, try substituting with mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a great texture, but if you can’t find it, you can swap with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, or even rice if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds color and nutrients. You can also use kale or even frozen spinach, just make sure to adjust the quantity since frozen is more compact.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are super convenient. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can chop them up, but remember to adjust the liquid since fresh tomatoes contain more juice.
How Can I Ensure the Orzo is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking orzo requires a bit of attention to achieve that perfect al dente texture. Here’s how to do it:
- When adding the orzo to the pot, stir well to avoid clumping.
- Keep the heat at a gentle simmer. High heat can cause uneven cooking or sticking.
- Check the orzo a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time; it should be tender yet have a slight bite. If needed, add a bit more broth or water.
Once done, remember to remove the pot from heat promptly to prevent overcooking. Your orzo will be delicious and perfectly cooked! Enjoy your meal!
Easy One-Pot Italian Sausage Orzo Dinner
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-pot dinner takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30-35 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal but fancy enough to enjoy any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large deep skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, keeping the delicious sausage fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until it gets fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now, return the cooked sausage to the pot. It’s time to add the orzo pasta, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything together nicely.
4. Cook the Orzo:
Bring the mixture to a boil. After that, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Give it a taste to check for doneness!
5. Add the Spinach and Cheese:
Once the orzo is tender, stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cook for 1-2 minutes more until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pot from the heat and, if you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty and comforting one-pot Italian sausage orzo dinner!
FAQ for Easy One-Pot Italian Sausage Orzo Dinner
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian option like plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, skip the sausage and use a combination of sautéed mushrooms and perhaps some bell peppers for added flavor. You can also add some extra spices to boost the taste!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish a few hours in advance. Simply cook it according to the recipe, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth as needed to bring it back to life.
What Should I Serve with This Dinner?
This one-pot meal is hearty enough on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for extra flavor. A glass of your favorite white wine would also complement the dish beautifully!
