Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with Italian sausage orzo, a robust pasta dish blending hearty sausage and creamy orzo. Packed with herbs, tomatoes, and parmesan, this skillet meal delivers comfort and flavor in one delightful, satisfying bite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) orzo pasta
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, with juices
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Render the Italian sausage in a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium temperature, fragmenting the meat into delicate crumbles until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior. Transfer the cooked protein to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to caramelize onions, minced garlic, and vibrant bell peppers, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce orzo to the vegetable medley, gently toasting the pasta grains to enhance their nutty undertones through consistent stirring.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, chicken broth, aromatic Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes into the skillet. Elevate the temperature to trigger a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Reintroduce the sautéed sausage into the simmering mixture, covering the skillet to allow the orzo to absorb the liquid and become perfectly tender over 10-12 minutes.
- Enrich the dish by folding in velvety heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious texture. Season judiciously with salt and cracked black pepper to amplify the flavor profile.
- Present the orzo in warm serving dishes, embellishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Complement the meal with rustic bread or a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive diners or those who love extra kick.
- Select high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavors like spicy or sweet varieties to elevate the dish’s overall taste profile.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, healthier alternative without compromising creamy texture.
- Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to transform recipe into vegetarian-friendly option, keeping rich, comforting essence intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg