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Weeknight • Pork

Hearty Sausage and Tomato Orzo Skillet

This comforting one-pan meal features savory sausage, tender orzo, and rich tomatoes simmered together.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Hearty Sausage and Tomato Orzo Skillet

Looking for a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that doesn't mess up your kitchen? This Hearty Sausage and Tomato Orzo Skillet is your answer! It's packed with flavor, incredibly simple to make in one pan, and delivers that cozy feeling we all crave. Perfect for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (without casings) and break it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set sausage aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their liquid), tomato sauce, chicken broth, uncooked orzo, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

  4. Step 4

    Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  5. Step 5

    Stir in the cooked sausage and fresh spinach (if using) until the spinach has wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

  6. Step 6

    Serve hot, topped with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips

  • For extra flavor, choose hot Italian sausage. If you prefer less spice, go with sweet Italian sausage.
  • Don't worry if the sauce seems a little thin at first; the orzo will absorb a lot of liquid as it cooks.
  • Feel free to add other hardy greens like kale in the last few minutes of cooking.

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