Weeknight • Pasta
Spicy Sausage and Spinach Orzo
A comforting and quick one-pan dinner featuring zesty sausage, fresh spinach, and tender orzo pasta.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Craving something comforting with a little kick that's also quick to make? This Spicy Sausage and Spinach Orzo is your new best friend! Everything comes together in one pan, soaking up all the delicious flavors of savory sausage, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked orzo. It's truly a weeknight miracle!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes, for extra heat (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease and remove sausage from the pan, setting aside.
Step 2
Add chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 3
Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until most liquid is absorbed and orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Add the fresh spinach, handful by handful, stirring until it wilts into the pasta. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Step 5
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes.
Step 6
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- If you don't have spicy sausage, use mild Italian sausage and add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a touch of creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end.
- Ensure your skillet is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably for even cooking.
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