One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta

Make dinner a breeze with this One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta delight! This flavorful recipe combines savory Italian sausage, tender orzo, and fresh vegetables for a comforting meal that's easy to prepare. Discover tips for cooking the perfect orzo, seasoning, and how to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Ready to make a dish that your family will love? Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking today!

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Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)

1 cup orzo pasta

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.

Stir in the orzo pasta, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the orzo to toast slightly in the pan.

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine everything.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally.

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and mix until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Provide an additional drizzle of olive oil over the top for richness.