Description
This Sausage Orzo recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring savory sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, it’s a dish that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the orzo pasta, stirring well to prevent it from sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If using, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- Feel free to add spinach or other greens during the last few minutes of cooking for added vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will absorb more liquid as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
