This One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta dish makes dinner a breeze! With savory sausage, tender orzo, and flavorful spices all cooked together, it’s a cozy meal in one pot.
You can whip this up quickly—even on the busiest nights! I love how simple it is. Just cook, stir, and enjoy a hearty meal without a lot of cleanup. What’s not to love? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works great. Plant-based sausage is an excellent substitute for a vegetarian option.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is perfect for this dish, but if it’s not available, you can use any small pasta like ditalini or even rice if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or whole milk. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut cream or cashew cream can add a nice richness, though the flavor will slightly change.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings great flavor, but you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative that will still add a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor When Cooking Onions and Garlic?
Getting the onion and garlic just right sets the stage for your dish. Start with medium heat and focus on softening the onions first. Once they turn translucent, add the minced garlic. Stir frequently to prevent burning, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.
- Heat olive oil and sauté diced onion for about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic for one minute until fragrant. This step enhances the overall taste.
Remember, patience here pays off! Allow these ingredients to meld well for a base that’s bursting with flavor in your final dish.
How to Make One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-pot meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and simple way to enjoy an Italian-inspired dish without the fuss of multiple pots and pans!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
2. Brown the Sausage:
Now, crumble the Italian sausage into the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook the sausage for about 6-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Toast the Orzo:
Once the sausage is browned, stir in the orzo pasta. Cook it for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently. This little step helps to toast the orzo slightly, adding extra flavor to your dish.
4. Add Broth and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. The orzo should be tender, and most of the liquid will be absorbed.
5. Finish with Cream and Cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. At this point, taste your dish and add salt and pepper as needed to adjust the flavor to your liking.
6. Let It Sit and Serve:
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the dish to thicken a bit. When ready to serve, ladle the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Enjoy your hearty one-pot meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbows, or even rice if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the package instructions to ensure it’s cooked properly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To make this dish lighter, consider using turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. You can also use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese by half without sacrificing flavor. Adding extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers can also boost the nutrition!
What Should I Do with Leftover Italian Sausage and Orzo?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the pasta and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze this one-pot meal! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if needed to restore creaminess.
