Weeknight • Pasta
Cozy Sausage and Spinach Orzo
This comforting and hearty orzo dish features savory sausage and wilted spinach in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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When you need a hug in a bowl, this Cozy Sausage and Spinach Orzo delivers! It’s wonderfully creamy, packed with savory flavors, and surprisingly simple to whip up. Perfect for a chilly evening or just when you need a little comfort.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 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
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease, then transfer sausage to a plate.
Step 2
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the orzo pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook according to package directions (about 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender.
Step 4
Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, and fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until spinach has wilted. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a touch of heat.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
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