This Easy Italian Sausage Orzo is a cozy meal that combines tasty sausage with chewy orzo pasta, fresh veggies, and spices. It’s a one-pot wonder that makes dinner a breeze!
You’ll love how quick this dish comes together. Just sauté, stir, and let it cook! I like to sprinkle some cheese on top before serving – because cheese makes everything better, right? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I suggest using ground Italian sausage for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can work too. These alternatives may be less rich but still tasty!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is perfect here, but if you don’t have any, you could swap it for other small pasta, like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Crushed Tomatoes: If you prefer a smoother sauce, crushed tomatoes are great. However, diced tomatoes can add texture. You can use fresh tomatoes in season too—just chop them finely and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth works well if you want a vegetarian version. You could even use water, but the dish will lack a bit of depth without that broth flavor.
How Do I Get the Sausage Just Right?
Cooking the sausage properly is essential for a tasty dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet to medium heat before adding the sausage. This will help it brown nicely.
- Break apart the sausage with a spoon while it cooks. This ensures it cooks evenly and gets good flavor.
- Look for a nice golden brown color; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Trust your instincts—no one likes undercooked sausage!
Remember, if you want to reduce fat, draining some of the excess grease after browning is a great step before adding other ingredients.
How Can I Make Sure the Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo sounds simple, but timing is key. Here’s what to focus on:
- Toast the orzo in the pan with the veggies for a couple of minutes before adding liquids. This enhances its flavor.
- Keep an eye on it during the final cooking stage. Check it a minute or two before the expected time to avoid overcooking; you want it al dente!
- If it looks too dry before the orzo is ready, feel free to add a splash more broth.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked orzo every time!
Easy Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick 30-minute meal—perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside for now.
2. Cooking the Vegetables:
In the same pan you cooked the sausage, add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re softened. Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just another 30 seconds, until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma!
3. Adding the Orzo:
Next, stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps bring out the nutty flavor of the orzo. Make sure it gets well coated with the oil and veggies.
4. Mixing in the Sauces:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning over the top. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
5. Letting it Simmer:
Return the cooked sausage back to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now cover the pan and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Season it all with a bit of salt and black pepper to taste. Feel free to add more cheese if you’re a fan!
7. Serving Up:
Serve this warm and comforting orzo in bowls, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy every bite of this hearty dish!
This Easy Italian Sausage Orzo is perfect for dinner, bringing together savory sausage, tender orzo, fresh veggies, and a comforting blend of flavors. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo is great for this recipe, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and using plant-based sausage or simply adding more vegetables. For added flavor, try including mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
Can I Prepare This Meal Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead! Chop the veggies and cook the sausage in advance, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just combine everything and follow the recipe from there for a quick meal. Enjoy!
