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Italian Sausage Orzo

Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo: A Quick Comfort Meal

This Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo combines hearty sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy parmesan for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sausage Mixture
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Can substitute with chicken or turkey sausage
  • 1 medium Onion Use yellow or white onion, or substitute with shallots
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic recommended
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to your preference
For the Pasta
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Can be substituted with risotto or short pasta
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Use low-sodium broth for less salt
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
For the Flavor and Color
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated preferred
  • 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Can replace with kale or Swiss chard
  • to taste > Salt
  • to taste > Pepper

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage, cooking for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Once the sausage is nicely browned, stir in the chopped onion and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
  3. Next, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, enjoy your Italian Sausage Orzo fresh out of the pot. It tends to thicken as it sits.

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