Description
Italian Sausage Orzo is a hearty and flavorful one-skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender orzo pasta, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce come together in just 35 minutes. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley for the perfect finishing touch!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Cook and stir until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Cook orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Add vegetables: Enhance the dish with additional veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- Spice it up: For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Sausage options: Substitute Italian sausage with kielbasa, chorizo, or a vegetarian sausage alternative.
- Side suggestions: Serve with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx.)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 50mg