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Italian Sausage Orzo

Published: / Updated: / 266 Comments

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This one pot Italian sausage orzo recipe is easy, creamy, and comes together fast for a comforting and delicious weeknight dinner.

You may also like my Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli for a lighter option or this Lemon Chicken Orzo.

one pot orzo with Italian sausage in a white bowl

Why you'll love it

Orzo is one of my favorite pastas to cook. The way we're preparing it here is fairly similar to a risotto, but it's way simpler and easier than working with rice. We paired it with tasty Italian sausage, baby spinach, and a rich and creamy parmesan sauce.

This also happens to be a 30-minute one pot meal, which saves on clean-up and is handy when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen! The little ones will also enjoy this dinner, and it's a hassle-free way to get meat, veggies, and hearty pasta in a single dish.

Ingredients for it

  • Sausage - I used mild Italian sausage. You can use ground sausage meat to save time vs. buying whole sausages.
  • Onion - use any variety, but we prefer Vidalia (sweet) onion
  • Garlic - if you're a big fan of garlic, feel free to add in even more
  • Red pepper flakes - they don't make this dish spicy. It just adds a gentle warmth.
  • Orzo - it's a rice-shaped small variety of pasta. You'll find it with all the other kinds of pasta at the grocery store
  • Chicken broth - to add more savory flavor to the sauce
  • Heavy cream - to make the sauce creamy and luxurious
  • Parmesan - I always recommend grating your own parmesan cheese. It tastes and melts much better! I used my Microplane to grate it for this recipe.
  • Spinach - we love adding it for a pop of freshness, but you're welcome to leave it out if you prefer

How to make orzo with Italian sausage

This is an overview, and full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

  • In a soup pot, cook the crumbled sausage meat for 5 minutes, then add the onions and continue cooking for a few more minutes until browned.
  • Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, and orzo, followed by the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Take the pot off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and spinach, then cover for a few minutes until the spinach has wilted and the liquid has absorbed more.
Italian sausage orzo in a yellow pot

Pro tip

  • As with any one pot pasta dish, the liquid quantities work as tested on my stove, but pots/stoves/temperatures may vary from my kitchen to yours, so if you feel like it needs more liquid, add another splash of broth or cream. If it seems too wet, let it sit for a bit longer, and it'll soak any excess liquid up in a few minutes.

Substitutions and variations

  • Want to add some heat? Use spicy Italian sausage or double the crushed red pepper flakes.
  • I wouldn't recommend subbing the heavy cream for anything with a lower fat content. It won't thicken up the same or be as rich and tasty and may even curdle.
  • Try swapping half the chicken broth with dry white wine (e.g. sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, or chardonnay) for an elegant touch.
  • Orzo is pasta, not rice, even though it looks very similar. If you want to sub the orzo for rice, you may need to adjust liquid measurements and timing since rice usually takes longer. 

What to serve with it

Leftovers and storage

  • This orzo recipe will keep in the fridge for a few days, but keep in mind that it's best when eaten fresh since the pasta will continue to absorb liquid.
  • We don't recommend freezing this one because of the dairy content.
  • To reheat, simply warm it through in a small saucepan over a low heat, stirring every so often.

Try these next

creamy Italian sausage orzo in two white bowls

Questions about this Italian sausage orzo pasta recipe? Let me know in the comments below! As always, if you make one of my recipes, tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram.

one pot orzo with Italian sausage in a white bowl

Italian Sausage Orzo

This one pot Italian sausage orzo recipe is easy, creamy, and comes together fast for a comforting and delicious weeknight dinner.
4.93 from 104 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 535 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 16 ounces Italian sausage see note
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, or more to taste
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add the sausage meat to a soup pot/Dutch oven. Over medium-high heat, cook it for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the onions and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or so, until the sausage is nicely browned and the onion has softened.
  • Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, and orzo, and cook for around 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the chicken broth and cream. Once it starts to bubble, continue cooking for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often (or else the orzo may stick to the bottom of the pot). You will likely need to turn the heat down a bit (to medium or even medium-low). It should gently bubble vs. boil (you don't want the liquid to reduce too much before the pasta has cooked).
  • Take the pot off the heat, stir in the parmesan and spinach, and cover the pot for 3-5 minutes or until it has thickened up to your liking. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately. See more troubleshooting tips in the notes below.

Notes

  • For the sausage, you can use anything in the ballpark of 16 oz/1 lb. Here in Canada I buy a 500g pack of Johnsonville mild Italian sausages and take the meat out of the casings.
  • As with any one pot pasta dish, the liquid quantities work as tested in my kitchen, but pots/stoves/temperatures can vary, so if you feel like it needs more liquid, add another splash of broth or cream. If it seems too wet, let it sit for a bit longer, and it'll soak any excess liquid up within a few minutes.
  • Orzo is pasta. If you want to make this with rice, you may have to adjust liquid measurements and cooking time (I have not tested this).
  • Serves 4-6 depending on how much people eat/what else it's served with.
  • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

Nutrition

Calories: 535kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 19gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 1000mgPotassium: 385mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1637IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 162mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Italian sausage orzo, one pot orzo, orzo with Italian sausage
Author Natasha Bull
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  1. Linda says

    According to my 5 year old finicky nephew - this is amazing! My 7 year old niece was upset over no left overs that she covered her 2nd or 3rd helping w a napkin saying it’s for mommy. I’m still in shock how everyone especially kids loved it. I used Italian ground turkey because a friend doesn’t eat pork. I didn’t put any pepper in it because of the kids. The Italian sausage had enough seasoning in it. I’ve never seen a recipe that young kids loved that wasn’t chicken nuggets!

    Reply

      • Linda says

        Graci said to me “I ate leaves.” “I was huh? When?” She giggled and said “in my food, there were green leaves in it, and I ate them”. She was very proud of herself. 😂 The “leaves” didn’t seem to faze anyone.

        Reply

  3. Maridele says

    5 stars
    As we say in the South, this was slap your mama good. I used half hot/half sweet Italian sausage so I did not add the red pepper flakes. Used half and half instead of heavy cream with no issues. Because I had it, I added fresh broccoli florets near the end of the orzo cooking time. Absolutely wonderful!
    For those who are new to orzo as I was, it is hard to find. I finally located it on the top shelf of the pasta section. It is a small box!

    Reply

  6. Mallory says

    5 stars
    A simple and easy recipe that was so so delicious! Made a few adjustments. Vegan sausage, vegetable broth, and reduced red pepper flakes. My toddler still found it “too spicy” so may have to use even less next time. I also added in some extra spinach. Definitely will be making again!

    Reply

    • Natasha says

      Awesome! I'm glad it was a hit! Yup, you could definitely skip the red pepper flakes altogether next time. Thanks for your comment!

      Reply

  7. Abby says

    5 stars
    This turned out great, even my picky 8 year old liked it! I forgot to buy orzo so used quinoa instead, used similar liquid measurements, maybe 1/4 cup less, and was perfect. Also used precooked chicken sausages instead of Italian sausage. Will definitely make again.

    Reply

  8. Linda Hensley says

    5 stars
    Made this recipe for the first time last night and it was a hit. Love one pot recipes, so easy! Will definitely make again, but will use less pepper flakes,
    my husband wished it was a little less spicy, just right for me though.

    Reply

  9. Denise says

    5 stars
    Was delicious !! Hubby says I can make it again!!! I know he doesn’t like creamy sauces so I chopped up sun dried tomatoes packed oil and added brocolli instead of spinach and with spicy sausage was delicious!!

    Reply

  12. Tanya Marie says

    5 stars
    10 out 10! Highly recommend! 5 stars! Chef's kiss 🤣 Wow. A few simple ingredients and packed full of flavor! Unbelievably delicious! I was going to omit the red pepper flakes because of our 4 year old, but I'm glad I didn't (added just a pinch) and she loved it (even the Spinach). We ate seconds and thirds. This is one for the recipe book! FANTASTIC. Thank you so much.

    Reply

  14. Lori Hanrahan says

    5 stars
    Outstanding! I used half and half as suggested above and I had on hand. Also added more chicken broth as recipe suggested for the consistency I wanted. Soooooo good! Thank you!

    Reply

  15. Sarah says

    Hi, my grocery store did not have any orzo. Can I substitute with another small pasta such as ditalini or similar? Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply

    • Natasha says

      Hi Sarah! You could try, but I'd keep a close eye on liquid measurements. You may need to add more liquid and/or adjust cooking time, but should be ok. Let me know how it goes!

      Reply

  16. TGlow says

    5 stars
    another winner 🙂 added red pepper after served because i have little kids and used half and half to save some calories, it was still creamy and delicious!

    Reply

  17. Kristie says

    5 stars
    Loved this recipe. Extremely flavorful! Easy to make and clean up. Very hearty, and comfort style food. We added leeks to the recipe, and extra spinach. Next time I will use half & half and omit the cheese to reduce the fat as another reviewer mentioned. Thanks so much, loved it!

    Reply

  18. Lennie says

    4 stars
    Followed the recipe. It was unfortunately, too spicy (for my kids) with the red pepper flakes, but the flavor was delicious! I will definitely be making this again without the red pepper. 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha says

      I'm glad you enjoyed it. Too bad about the spice, but I guess it's good for them to try a bit while they're young hehe. Agreed, you can for sure leave the red pepper flakes out next time and it'll still taste good. Thanks for your review, Lennie! 🙂

      Reply

  19. Lane says

    5 stars
    Veganized this and it turned out great! Would recommend for vegans/vegetarians, very easy to substitute with veggie sausage, vegetable broth, nondairy parmesan, and oat milk/butter replacement combo to replace the heavy cream. Made a great amount too. Thanks for this recipe!!

    Reply

  20. Amie F. says

    Hi there! Thanks for the recipe! This is easy and yummy! I have doubled the amount of orzo, broth, cream and Parmesan with only adding one extra cup of spinach but kept all the other ingredients at the same measurements as the original measurements and it turned out just as yummy to take to a potluck style Thanksgiving! Thanks again for sharing!

    Reply

  21. Lexie says

    5 stars
    Hi there! I’ve made this serval times now and it has quickly become a favorite! We love it so much we decided to make it as a side for Friendsgiving! I’m wondering if you could recommend how long this should be reheated in an oven? We are making a double batch to feed everyone and it will be made ahead so I thought this would be the easiest way to reheat it.
    Keep me posted! 😊

    Reply

    • Natasha says

      Hi Lexie! Glad you love this recipe. 😀 I think the oven should work, but I'd just be guessing on timing as I've never made a double batch or tried reheating an orzo recipe in the oven. I'd probably keep it at a fairly low temperature (not more than 350F), put it in a casserole dish like a 9x13, cover it with foil and stir it every now and then when you go to check how hot it is. You might want to add a little more cream before you put it in the oven as the orzo will soak the sauce up a bit.

      Reply

  22. Amy says

    5 stars
    This was delicious. I cook a lot and love recipes that come out great the first time! This was simple and so yummy. I used HOT sausage and no other salt, pepper or heat. For reference, 3 oz baby spinach was great. Printing this recipe to make again and sharing with my family so they can enjoy too!

    Reply

  24. Carrie Spellerberg says

    5 stars
    I absolutely love this recipe and have made it several times. This week I added some mushrooms and they made it even more amazing. I may try to make it with chicken next time.

    Reply

  25. Denise Kunz says

    5 stars
    Two for two. This is the second day in a row I have made one of your recipes. I’m so glad I came across your page. This sausage orzo is soooooo good. Not a lot of ingredients, but packed with a lot of flavor. This dish will definitely be made again and again.

    Reply

  26. Jennifer says

    5 stars
    One of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever had. Can’t wait to make again and try some more of these delicious recipes!!

    Reply

  27. Sarah says

    I make this all the time and love as is, but I need to cook for a slightly bigger crowd than normal. I’m thinking of 1.5 the orzo and liquid but keeping everything else the same. Thoughts? Think it will work?

    Reply

    • Natasha says

      I think that should work, yes! You may need to play it a bit by ear... like if it looks like it needs a little more time or liquid, adjust on the fly.

      Reply

  28. Robin says

    4 stars
    I made this with broccoli florets and sweet red peppers with the onions. And subbed some wine for some of the broth. Delicious!

    Reply

  29. Christi says

    5 stars
    Comfort food! My whole family loved this dish. I loved cooking it in one pot! I might even use half alphabet pasta next time to surprise my little kids. Today I enjoyed the leftovers and added some chopped tomatoes on top. They added a good balance to saltiness of the parmesan and sausage.

    Reply

  30. Randi says

    5 stars
    Made this tonight with elbow macaroni (the store didn’t have orzo pasta) and added sun-dried tomatoes. It was wonderful! Thank you for another great dinner recipe.

    Reply

  32. Sandi says

    5 stars
    Made this tonight - Italian perfection. Had a really stressful day and wanted something fast. We used 1/2 and 1/2 to reduce fat and turkey Italian sausage. It was so easy! We like the freshness of the spinach so we put it in our pasta bowls and topped with the orzo mixture. Will definitely make this again

    Reply

  33. Maria Newhart says

    5 stars
    This is my go to meal. My boys love this. I did use the Jimmy Dean sausage and it is delicious.
    This is also my go to site for Easy and Delicious recipes. I am so glad I found your site. Thank you for everything.

    Reply

  34. Texgirl says

    5 stars
    Very, very good! I will definitely make again. Like you advised, I pumped up the fresh garlic, supplemented with garlic powder and onion powder. I think I might add fresh mushrooms or/and sun dried tomatoes next time. But it was wonderful as made using your recipe. Thanks!

    Reply

  36. RHONDA RAE says

    5 stars
    This was so delicious. I opted to use baby bell sliced mushrooms instead of the spinach, and cooked them at the beginning with the Italian sausage. It's easy to find ground italian sausage (hot) so that is what we used. Served it up with garlic toast, and we both loved it. In fact, hubs asked me to keep this on regular rotation. Yums!

    Reply

  38. Cindy B says

    5 stars
    Saw this recipe on IG, one pot was perfect for my husband to make ( I have a broken ankle and can’t stand). It was delicious, we both loved it and will be adding it to our week night recipe’s. It’s fast and perfect for a week night dinner and decadent enough for weekend splurging.

    Reply

  39. SadSamuraiSoup says

    5 stars
    This recipe is super simple and delicious. I got it in the table really quickly and it was a hit at my house. This dish is rich and hearty. I would recommend this as a great end of summer/fall dish.

    Reply

  41. Rachel says

    5 stars
    Made this the other night and it was a huge hit! I actually used whole milk instead of heavy cream and it was absolutely delicious.

    Reply

    • Natasha says

      Hi! I haven't tested anything besides the cream. You could read thru the comments to see if anyone else has tried anything, though.

      Reply

  43. Joanne says

    5 stars
    I have made this a few times and it is a huge hit! Love the one pot dishes -this is a very easy meal to make and clean up. Only issue for me is quantity - my teen sons will polish it all off and there is none for any one else 🙁 so I might try to double the orzo and liquid, per one of the reviews, and see how that turns out! This is an excellent recipe!

    Reply

  46. Steph says

    Delish!! Made it exactly as directed with the exception that I added mushrooms (they needed to be used). With the spicey sausage it’s fantastic. Will make again.

    Reply

  47. Chandra Hendricks says

    5 stars
    Wonderful recipe! Easy and quick preparation, with very few dishes at the end! I will be using this one over and over, love it!

    Reply

  49. Terry says

    4 stars
    I've been making a similar recipe that uses linguine, but I think I like this better as the finer texture of the pasta better matches the sausage. I did use less cream and as it was very salty (either from the sausage or my homemade chicken broth) I added fresh diced tomatoes for some juiciness. I also used chard in place of spinach as this was what I had. Great weeknight recipe!

    Reply