One-Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo – Flavorful Dinner
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this One-Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo is the perfect solution! Made with flavorful Italian sausage, tender orzo, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is packed with comforting flavors. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
Whether you need a hearty weeknight meal or a dish that the whole family will love, this recipe has you covered. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can make it dairy-free, use different types of sausage, or add extra veggies for a nutritious twist.
Let’s dive into how to make this creamy and delicious Italian Sausage Orzo in just one pot!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Orzo
✔️ One-Pot Wonder – No need to use multiple pans! Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
✔️ Packed with Flavor – Italian sausage adds a rich, savory taste, while the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ Versatile & Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your dietary needs, add extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound (hot, mild, or sweet) – casings removed if using links
- Orzo Pasta: 1½ cups
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup (or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk)
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for heat)
- Spinach or Kale: 1 cup, chopped (optional, for added nutrition)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a non-dairy cream like coconut or cashew milk and omit the cheese.
- Protein Swap: Try ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more texture and nutrients.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this dish seamlessly, you’ll need:
- A large skillet or Dutch oven (for cooking everything in one pot)
- A wooden spoon (for stirring)
- A grater (for freshly grated Parmesan)
- A knife and cutting board (for chopping ingredients)
How to Make One-Pot Italian Sausage Orzo
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Orzo
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute to enhance its flavor. Then, add the orzo pasta and mix well to coat it in the sausage mixture.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine everything. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the orzo cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well until fully combined. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Season
If using spinach or kale, stir it in and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best Sausage Orzo
✅ Toast the Orzo – Sautéing the orzo with the sausage before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor.
✅ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
✅ Control the Spice – Adjust red pepper flakes or use mild sausage for a less spicy dish.
✅ Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions for added texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not Stirring Enough: Orzo can stick to the bottom of the pot, so stir occasionally while simmering.
❌ Overcooking the Orzo: Stop cooking when the orzo is tender but still slightly firm to prevent mushy texture.
❌ Adding Cream Too Soon: Wait until the end to add the cream so it doesn’t curdle.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
This One-Pot Italian Sausage Orzo pairs perfectly with:
- A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy sauce
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing Tip: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the cream sauce may separate slightly when reheated. Stir well while reheating for the best consistency.
Variations & Recipe Swaps
🔥 Spicier Version: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
🌱 Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and omit Parmesan.
🍅 Tomato-Based Orzo: Increase tomato paste and add diced tomatoes for a more robust tomato sauce.
FAQs About Italian Sausage Orzo
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well, but cooking times may vary.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free orzo or substitute rice for a similar texture.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo is the perfect comfort meal—rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Plus, with its creamy texture and bold sausage flavor, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out! If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes.
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One-Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo – Easy & Flavorful Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo is a quick and delicious meal that’s packed with bold flavors. Made with savory Italian sausage, tender orzo, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes and requires just one pot—making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
✅ 1 pound Italian sausage (hot, mild, or sweet, casings removed if using links)
✅ 1½ cups orzo pasta
✅ 3 cups chicken broth
✅ ½ cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative like coconut milk)
✅ ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
✅ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
✅ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✅ Salt & pepper to taste
✅ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
✅ 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped (optional, for added nutrition)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut or cashew milk instead of heavy cream and omit the cheese.
- Protein Swap: Try ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more texture.
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
2️⃣ Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute to enhance its flavor. Then, add the orzo pasta and mix well to coat it in the sausage mixture.
4️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine everything. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the orzo cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5️⃣ Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well until fully combined. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
6️⃣ If using spinach or kale, stir it in and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
7️⃣ Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Toast the Orzo – Sautéing the orzo with the sausage before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
