Zesty Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe For Cozy Family Dinners

Savory italian sausage orzo promises a delightful culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish.

Pasta lovers rejoice as orzo provides a unique texture that perfectly complements robust sausage flavors.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more interesting with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Spices and herbs mingle to create a symphony of tastes that feel both familiar and unexpected.

Rich, creamy, and packed with protein, this meal comes together faster than you can say “delicious.” Let’s transform your kitchen into a mini Italian trattoria and make magic happen.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like small shells, ditalini, or even rice for a similar texture and cooking method.

• Is it necessary to use both diced and crushed tomatoes?

The combination provides depth of flavor and different textures. Diced tomatoes add chunky bits while crushed tomatoes create a richer sauce base, but you can use just one type if preferred.

• How spicy will this dish be with red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be easily adjusted. Start with a small pinch for subtle warmth, or omit completely if you prefer a non-spicy version.

• Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes. Just ensure they’re well-browned and seasoned to maintain the dish’s rich flavor profile.

Italian Sausage Orzo That’s Hearty And Satisfying

• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that combines all ingredients in a single pan, saving time and reducing dish-washing hassle.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the dish by swapping sausage types, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal tastes and dietary preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with robust Italian seasonings, tender orzo, and savory sausage, this meal delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home without complicated techniques.

Orzo Pasta and Italian Sausage Combo

• Italian Sausage: Rich, flavorful meat that adds depth and protein to the dish. Choose spicy or mild based on preference.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances overall flavor. Low-sodium options work well.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds foundational taste. Fresh ingredients preferred for best results.
• Diced Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes: Creates sauce texture and adds bright, tangy notes. Canned varieties work perfectly.

• Oregano, Basil: Traditional Italian herbs that complement the sausage. Dried herbs are convenient and flavorful.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding subtle heat. Adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish that provides color and light freshness.

• Orzo: Small pasta shape that absorbs sauce beautifully. Quick-cooking and versatile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese for topping. Freshly grated provides best flavor.

Italian Sausage Orzo Cooking Directions

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns golden brown and develops a delicious crispy exterior.

Transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate, keeping those flavorful juices behind.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same skillet with sausage remnants, toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté until the onions become translucent and the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Diced tomatoes
• Crushed tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing the herbs to release their vibrant flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Add the orzo directly into the simmering sauce.

Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta becomes tender and absorbs the delicious liquid, following package cooking time recommendations.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the browned sausage to the skillet.

Gently fold the meat into the orzo mixture, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Orzo Pasta Tips With Italian Sausage Goodness

• Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavors for better taste and texture in the dish.
• Watch orzo carefully during cooking, adding extra chicken broth if mixture becomes too dry to prevent sticking.
• Consider toasting orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones and create more complex flavor profile.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice preference, adding more for extra kick or omitting for milder version.
• Prepare this one-pot meal in advance and reheat gently, as flavors will continue to develop and meld together over time.

Italian Sausage Orzo: Save for a Second Serving

• Transfer leftover Italian Sausage Orzo into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm the orzo in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated evenly.
• Freeze portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

Great Combos With Sausage Orzo

• Robust Red Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the spicy sausage and rich tomato sauce, enhancing the meal's rustic flavors.
• Crisp Green Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's hearty profile, cutting through the richness with fresh, zesty notes.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Toast crusty Italian bread with garlic and olive oil, providing a perfect vehicle for soaking up the savory tomato sauce and adding textural contrast.
• Herbal Sparkling Water: Serve with a chilled sparkling water infused with fresh basil or mint to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the overall dining experience.

Cheesy and Savory Italian Sausage Orzo

• Vegetarian Orzo Delight: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular orzo with gluten-free orzo or quinoa to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets while preserving the recipe's core ingredients.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add diced bell peppers and increase red pepper flakes for a zestier profile that amplifies the dish's Mediterranean characteristics.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that still delivers robust taste and nutritional value.

Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory italian sausage orzo delivers a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors, blending hearty pasta and spicy sausage. Comfort and elegance merge in this single-skillet wonder you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce / 425 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley

Seasonings and Pasta:

• 1 (14.5-ounce / 411 milliliters) can chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup (200 grams) uncooked orzo pasta
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious pan over medium temperature and transform the Italian sausage into crispy, caramelized crumbles, methodically fragmenting the meat while cooking. Transfer the browned protein to a separate dish.
2. Utilize the same pan to sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic, gently coaxing out their aromatic essence until translucent and tender.
3. Introduce diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, savory chicken broth, aromatic oregano, fragrant basil, and optional fiery red pepper flakes into the vegetable mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld and simmer.
4. Incorporate orzo directly into the bubbling tomato base, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, following the recommended pasta preparation time.
5. Reintegrate the previously cooked sausage into the orzo mixture, gently folding to distribute flavors evenly and create a harmonious blend.
6. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, presenting a vibrant and inviting culinary creation ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive palates.
• Choose lean Italian sausage to reduce overall fat content without compromising flavor.
• Substitute gluten-free orzo for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring consistent texture.
• Consider vegetarian adaptation by replacing sausage with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg