This Italian Sausage Orzo Pasta is a deliciously easy one-pan meal that’s packed with sausage, tender orzo, and fresh spinach. It’s ready in 30 minutes for a low-effort comfort meal you’ll come back to again and again.
If you’re looking for a quick, comforting dinner that packs a punch of flavor, you have to make this Italian Sausage Orzo Pasta!
It’s made with mild Italian sausage, sautéed veggies, and tender orzo, cooked in a hearty tomato sauce, all in one pan.
You can have it on the table in just about 30 minutes, which is perfect for those busy nights when you need something delicious with minimal effort.
Want more one pot meals for some easy weeknight dinners? Check out this One Pot American Goulash, One Pot Chicken Stew, and One Pot Pasta Primavera Recipe!
Why we love this one pot Orzo:
- One pot dinner: You can forget about the piles of dishes when making this orzo recipe because you only need one pan!
- 30-minute meal: This recipe comes together in half an hour, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a quick, comforting meal!
- Flavorful: The Italian sausage, veggies, and rich tomato sauce sauce create a restaurant quality meal that hits the spot every time.
Italian Sausage Orzo ingredients:
- Oil: Use a neutral oil, like olive or vegetable oil, to sauté the vegetables and sausage.
- Red bell pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color to the dish. You can swap it for a yellow or orange bell pepper if you like!
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics add tons of flavor! A yellow or white onion will work, and fresh garlic is always recommended.
- Italian sausage: Use mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. You could also use another ground protein if you like!
- Tomato paste: Tomato paste thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Herbs: Dried parsley, dried basil, and dried oregano provide a classic Italian flavor. You can use fresh, chopped herbs or swap with Italian seasoning if you like!
- Low sodium chicken broth: I like using low sodium chicken broth so I can control how much salt is in the sauce.
- Tomato or marinara sauce: Use your favorite tomato sauce or marinara for extra flavor.
- Dry orzo pasta: Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta that’s perfect for soaking up the sauce. If you’re out of orzo, another short pasta will work just as well. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta you choose!
- Fresh chopped spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and some greens. You can also use frozen spinach, but make sure to let it thaw before adding it to the dish.
- Heavy cream (optional): A splash of cream adds a creamy texture to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can skip this!
- Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional): Grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty finishing touch.
How to make Orzo with Italian Sausage:
This Italian Sausage Orzo Pasta is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! For the full list of recipe instructions, make sure to check out the recipe card.
- Sauté the bell pepper and onion until softened.
- Add the sausage to the pan and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, and herbs, cooking for about a minute.
- Add broth and tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the orzo pasta. Cover and cook until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in spinach and heavy cream (if using). Serve with grated Parmesan if desired!
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-free: You can swap the orzo for your favorite short gluten-free pasta if you like!
- Dairy-free: Leave out the heavy cream or parmesan cheese for a completely dairy-free dinner.
How to store Italian Sausage Orzo:
To store Italian Sausage Orzo Pasta, simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, warm it in a pan over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well and will last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that the pasta will be a bit softer after freezing.
Serving suggestions:
This recipe is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a simple side salad, Roasted Vegetables, Green Beans with Bacon or some crusty no-knead bread!
More one pot meals you’ll love:
- One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe — always a hit with the kids!
- One Pot Lemon Orzo pasta — fresh and perfect for any time of the year.
- One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta — this one is loaded with vegetables!
- Healthier One Pot Skillet Lasagna — we never have any leftovers of this one.
Italian Sausage Orzo Pasta
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 red bell pepper (finely diced)
- ½ large onion (finely diced)
- 375 grams Italian sausage (about ¾lb)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cups tomato or marinara sauce
- 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh chopped spinach
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
- Parmesan for serving if desired
Instructions
- Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- When hot, add the bell pepper and onion. Cook and stir until softened.
- Add the Italian sausage, cooking and stirring until browned. Drain some of the excess grease if desired.
- Stir in tomato paste, garlic, parsley, salt, basil, and oregano. Cook and stir 1 minute.
- Stir in the broth and tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Add the uncooked orzo pasta and stir well.
- Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring often, until al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
- Stir in spinach and cream, if using. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired before serving with Parmesan or as desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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