A creamy, one-pot dinner made with Italian sausage, orzo pasta, and Parmesan in a rich, savory sauce. Quick, hearty, and full of flavor.
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan
2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Lemon zest (optional)
Heat oil in a large pan. Cook sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and pepper flakes.
Stir in orzo and toast 2 minutes.
Pour in broth, bring to simmer. Cover and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring often.
Add cream, Parmesan, and sausage. Simmer 3 minutes until creamy.
Stir in greens until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
Serve hot with fresh herbs and extra cheese.
Reheat with a splash of broth or cream. Add mushrooms, tomatoes, or white beans for variation. Use turkey sausage for a lighter version.