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Weeknight • Pork

Hearty Sausage and Spinach Orzo Skillet

This comforting one-pan meal features savory sausage, tender orzo, and fresh spinach in a flavorful broth.

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Hearty Sausage and Spinach Orzo Skillet

Weeknight wonders don't get much better than a single-skillet meal, and this Hearty Sausage and Spinach Orzo Skillet is a prime example! It’s packed with flavor, satisfyingly simple to make, and has minimal cleanup, which is always a win in our book.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and remove sausage to a plate, leaving a small amount of fat in the pan.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the uncooked orzo, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

  4. Step 4

    Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  5. Step 5

    Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until completely wilted into the orzo. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.

  6. Step 6

    Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips

  • If you like a little heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Ensure you stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • A splash of heavy cream at the end can make this dish extra luscious, if desired.

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