Print

Creamy Tuscan Sausage and Orzo Skillet

Close-up of creamy sausage orzo pasta mixed with wilted spinach in a stainless steel skillet.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy one pan sausage orzo skillet meal for a comforting weeknight dinner. This recipe features Italian sausage in a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Fold in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the pasta.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve this quick sausage orzo dinner immediately.

Notes

  • For a less rich sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • If the orzo seems too thick before it is fully cooked, add a splash more broth or water.
  • You can use ground pork or ground turkey instead of Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/sausage-orzo-pasta-creamy-tuscan-skillet/