This Easy One-Pot Italian Sausage Orzo Pasta is a comforting meal that comes together in a single pot. It features tasty Italian sausage, small orzo pasta, and colorful veggies for a big flavor!
One pot? Less cleanup! I love how quickly it cooks, and the leftovers make a great lunch. Plus, who doesn’t like a meal that gives you cozy vibes with little effort? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Use your favorite type, whether mild or spicy, for different heat levels. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter meal.
Orzo Pasta: This small pasta cooks quickly and blends beautifully with the dish. If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pastas like ditalini or even rice in a pinch, though cooking times will vary.
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth adds depth of flavor. If you want to keep it vegetarian, opt for vegetable broth instead. Homemade broth is always a delicious choice too, if you have it on hand!
Diced Tomatoes: The canned tomatoes with juices infuse moisture into the dish. If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to chop up about 3 medium tomatoes and replace the canned ones for a fresher taste.
How Can I Get the Best Flavor from the Sausage?
Cooking the sausage properly is key for flavor. Start by heating your oil in the pan before adding the sausage. Break it apart with your spoon and let it brown completely. This caramelization adds a lot of taste!
- Don’t rush; let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This gives it a nice brown color.
- Make sure to remove excess fat after browning, if it’s too greasy—this helps keep the dish from becoming oily.
Easy One-Pot Italian Sausage Orzo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Keep an eye on it and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll love the smell!
3. Combine Everything:
Now, return the cooked sausage to the pan. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning and if you like a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to combine. Next, add the orzo pasta, the diced tomatoes (with their juices), and the chicken broth, mixing everything well.
4. Cook the Orzo:
Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nice and tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Final Touches:
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, take it off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Yum!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before digging in. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful one-pot meal that’s quick to make and even easier to clean up!
FAQ for Easy One-Pot Italian Sausage Orzo Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, or even use rice, though the cooking times will vary. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid based on the pasta or rice you choose.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add extra veggies for a hearty meal. Consider adding mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to maintain the flavor and texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
What Should I Serve With This Dish?
This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of more grated Parmesan on top adds a nice touch, too!
