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+ servings
Italian Sausage Orzo

Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo for Cozy Weeknight Comfort

A quick and comforting dish featuring savory Italian sausage, tender orzo, and fresh spinach, all in a creamy Parmesan sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo Dish
  • 1 pound Italian sausage any variety works, mild or hot
  • 1/2 medium chopped onion adds aromatic sweetness
  • 3 cloves minced garlic fresh garlic offers the best taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, adjust based on spice preference
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta ensure it's uncooked for perfect absorption
  • 4 cups chicken broth swap for vegetable broth if preferred
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream half and half can be a lighter alternative
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese grating it fresh will heighten flavor
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach replace with other greens if desired
  • to taste salt essential for flavor
  • to taste pepper essential for flavor

Equipment

  • large soup pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the crumbled Italian sausage. Sauté for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Add the chopped onions to the pot, and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and optional crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked orzo to the pot, followed by the chicken broth and heavy cream. Increase the heat to bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to a steady simmer and cook uncovered for approximately 10 minutes, stirring often.
  6. Once the orzo has absorbed the liquid, remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach until combined.
  7. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing if it contains spinach, add fresh greens after reheating.

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