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To make this tasty dish, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 Italian sausages (mild or spicy, casings removed) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) For those who need conversions: - 1 cup = 240 milliliters - 1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters - 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters When picking Italian sausage, aim for quality. Look for sausages with fresh herbs and spices. Check the label for natural ingredients. Choose mild if you prefer less heat. Go for spicy for a kick. For orzo, opt for whole grain if you want more fiber. It is nutty and delicious. Check the package for cooking time to avoid overcooking. {{ingredient_image_1}} Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This makes the process smooth. You need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 Italian sausages (mild or spicy, casings removed) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Chop your veggies and measure out the broth. This saves time later. 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil. 2. Add the Italian sausages, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. 3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. 4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. 5. Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini. Sauté for another 5 minutes until tender. 6. Stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Mix well. 7. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. 8. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often. 9. When the orzo is al dente, add the cherry tomatoes, cooked sausage, and fresh spinach. 10. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. 11. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 12. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Cooking on the stovetop takes about 30 minutes total. If you use an Instant Pot, it will save time. Cook the sausage first, then add all other ingredients. Set it for 5 minutes on high pressure. After that, let it release naturally for 5 minutes. This method gives you a similar result but cuts the time down. To get the best texture for your orzo, follow these steps: - Use plenty of water: Ensure you have enough water in the pot. This helps the orzo cook evenly. - Stir often: Stirring prevents the orzo from clumping together. It keeps it light and fluffy. - Cook until al dente: Follow the package instructions. Al dente orzo has a slight bite and is perfect in this dish. - Do not rinse: Rinsing orzo removes the starch. This starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Enhancing the flavor of your Italian Sausage Orzo is easy. Here are some ideas: - Fresh herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for a bright flavor. - Chili flakes: For a kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes while cooking. - Lemon zest: A bit of lemon zest brightens the dish. Just a small amount goes a long way. - Parmesan cheese: Mixing in grated Parmesan adds a nice depth. You can also sprinkle more on top when serving. Pairing sides with your Italian Sausage Orzo makes the meal special. Consider these options: - Garlic bread: A slice of warm garlic bread complements the dish well. - Simple salad: A fresh salad with greens and cherry tomatoes works great. - Roasted vegetables: Serve some seasonal roasted veggies on the side for extra flavor and nutrition. - Wine pairing: Enjoy a glass of Chianti or a light white wine for a perfect match. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavors in your dish. Fresh produce can elevate the taste and texture of your orzo. Customize the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables for an extra kick. Cook the Orzo Properly: Stir the orzo frequently while it cooks to prevent it from sticking together. This will ensure a creamy and well-integrated dish. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make Italian Sausage Orzo fit your diet. For a gluten-free version, swap orzo for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. If you're vegetarian, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty texture. They add umami flavor, making your dish rich and satisfying. You can control the heat in this dish. For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage. If you prefer mild flavors, stick with sweet Italian sausage. You can also add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Just sprinkle them in while cooking the sausage. This way, you get a warm, flavorful dish that suits your taste. Seasonal veggies can add color and nutrition to your orzo. In spring, add peas or asparagus. These veggies brighten the dish and add freshness. In summer, try adding corn or diced tomatoes. They bring sweetness and juiciness. In fall, butternut squash or kale work well, giving a hearty feel. Each season offers great options to keep this dish exciting and tasty. To store leftover Italian Sausage Orzo, let it cool down first. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you need to reheat them. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of broth or water. This keeps the orzo from drying out. Heat it over medium heat until warm. If using the microwave, put it in a bowl with a lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even heating. To freeze Italian Sausage Orzo, first, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. Yes, you can make Italian Sausage Orzo ahead of time. Just cook it fully and let it cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Italian Sausage Orzo pairs well with many dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables also complements the flavors nicely. You can even top it with extra grated Parmesan cheese for a richer taste. Orzo is cooked perfectly when it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not crunchy. Follow the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Taste a piece to check if it’s done. It should not be mushy. Absolutely! You can use other types of sausage in this recipe. Chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage work well. Adjust the spices to match the flavor of the sausage you choose. Each type will give a unique twist to the dish. Yes, Italian Sausage Orzo is great for meal prep. It stores well and reheats easily. Portion it out into containers for quick lunches or dinners. This dish also keeps its flavor, making it a perfect choice for a busy week ahead. This blog post covered all you need for Italian Sausage Orzo. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and storage methods. You learned tips for perfect texture and flavor. Plus, we shared variations to meet your needs. Take these ideas and create your own delicious dish. Enjoy the process and make it yours! With practice, you’ll master this tasty meal in no time. Your kitchen adventure awaits!

Sizzling Italian Sausage Orzo

A flavorful dish featuring orzo pasta, Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a hearty meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 pieces Italian sausages (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 piece zucchini, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the dried oregano and basil, giving the mixture a good stir to combine.
  • Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet, and bring to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking.
  • Once the orzo is al dente, add the cherry tomatoes, cooked sausage, and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts down, about 2 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as necessary.
  • Serve hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausages.
Keyword orzo, pasta, sausage, vegetables