Description
A creamy and flavorful Italian Sausage Orzo recipe featuring savory sausage, tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan-infused cream sauce, perfect for a comforting and easy weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 16 oz Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Heat a soup pot over medium-high heat and cook the Italian sausage for 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Aromatics and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, then add the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook this mixture for about 30 seconds to toast the orzo slightly and allow the flavors to meld.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes to let the spinach wilt and the sauce thicken further. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat or mild sausage for a gentler flavor.
- Fresh baby spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes is optional but adds a nice subtle kick.
