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three plates of creamy tomato orzo and sausage garnished with torn fresh basil
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5 from 13 votes

One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo

Prep Time10 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
  • 12 ounces Italian chicken sausage, sliced into thin rounds
  • 3/4 cup finely diced yellow onion (from about 1/2 medium onion)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper (from about 1 red bell pepper)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 3/4 cup jarred marinara
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups roughly chopped baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • fresh basil leaves, torn, for finishing

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes total. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
  • If the skillet seems dry, add 1 more tablespoon oil. Add the onions and red bell pepper and sauté until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until mostly reduced, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the marinara, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer (about medium-low heat). Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has reduced into a thickened sauce, about 12 minutes.
  • Add the heavy cream (or coconut milk), spinach, Parmesan, and lemon juice and stir until the spinach wilts and the Parmesan is well combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and add more salt, if desired.
  • Return the sausage to the skillet and stir until warmed through. Remove from the heat, finish with fresh basil, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 562kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 2334mg | Potassium: 506mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3198IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 228mg | Iron: 3mg