One Pot Sausage Orzo

Name: One Pot Sausage Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1/2 cup red onion (diced); 8 ounces of Italian sausage (casings removed, cooked); 1 1/4 cup orzo; 2 1/2 chicken broth or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (chopped); 2 cups fresh spinach or greens of your choice; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided); Fresh thyme for garnish; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

This One Pot Sausage Orzo is a cozy one-pan meal that is made with tender orzo, zesty Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese creating a creamy, flavor packed dish. It comes together quickly using simple ingredients, making it an easy and comforting weeknight dinner.

Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Total30 min
Makes6 servings
Calories377

Ingredients

6 servings

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 cup red onion (diced)
8 ounces of Italian sausage (casings removed, cooked)
1 1/4 cup orzo
2 1/2 chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (chopped)
2 cups fresh spinach or greens of your choice
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Fresh thyme for garnish
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Method

1
In a large skillet heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add garlic and onion and sauté for 2 minutes.
2
Add the sausage, oregano, basil, thyme, salt and pepper and cook until the sausage is cooked through and browned. Drain and set the sausage aside.
3
In the same skillet add the orzo and toast for 1 minute. Add the broth and simmer with the lid on for about 6-8 minute, stirring occasionally until the orzo is soft.
4
Add in the sun-dried tomatoes, sausage, cream and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
5
Add the spinach and simmer until the spinach is wilted about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the orzo dish.
7
Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.

Notes

refrigerate: store leftover in an airtight container for up to 4 days. freezer: you can freeze this creamy sausage orzo in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Add a splash of water or broth when thawing to revive the texture of the pasta. reheating: to reheat you can microwave this or you can quickly heat in a skillet with a splash of broth. cook-ahead: You can make the dish ahead of time and put it into portioned containers and refrigerate for later. This makes great lunch or dinner leftovers which taste even better the next day or two. prep-ingredients: chop the onions, garlic and the sun-dried tomatoes ahead of time and store in fridge. You also can cook the orzo and sausage and store those separate. When ready to serve you can quickly heat in a skillet and add in the cream, cheese and then wilt the spinach.