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Weeknight • Pork

Comforting Sausage and Spinach Orzo

This hearty and flavorful one-pot dish combines savory sausage, tender orzo, and fresh spinach in a creamy, comforting sauce.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Comforting Sausage and Spinach Orzo

Sometimes you just need a big bowl of comfort that doesn't take all night to make. This Comforting Sausage and Spinach Orzo is exactly that! It's a one-pot wonder packed with flavor from juicy sausage, wilted spinach, and tiny pasta, all swimming in a delicious, creamy sauce. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed if desired)
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (if using links, remove casings and crumble). Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

  2. Step 2

    Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, coating it with the sausage and onion mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook, stirring gently, until the spinach wilts down completely, about 2-3 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash more broth or water.

  6. Step 6

    Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips

  • For a vegetarian version, swap sausage for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
  • If you don't have heavy cream, milk or half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it won't be as rich.
  • Always stir the orzo frequently while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

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