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Italian Sausage Orzo

Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This creamy Italian sausage orzo recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dinner, perfect for busy nights!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage choose mild for kids or spicy for a kick
  • 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta acts as the nutritious base
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for a lighter option
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion adds sweetness and depth
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced; fresh is ideal
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes adjust to desired spice level
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy/Whipping Cream or try half-and-half for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan or use Pecorino Romano for a sharper twist
For the Greens
  • 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach or kale as a great alternative
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt essential for enhancing flavors
  • to taste Pepper season to taste for the perfect finish

Equipment

  • Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the pot over medium-high heat and add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
  2. Next, add the chopped onion to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add uncooked orzo to the pot along with chicken broth and heavy cream. Increase heat to bring to a boil, stirring gently to combine.
  4. Once boiling, reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Cover for 3 to 5 minutes to wilt the spinach.
  6. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve immediately in bowls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize with veggies or proteins. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later enjoyment.

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