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Creamy One-Pan Sausage and Orzo Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato

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A quick and comforting one-pan meal combining savory Italian sausage, tender orzo, fresh spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170 grams)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed or soaked if dry-packed)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed (about 120 grams)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow or white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (600 ml)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet.
  2. Add crumbled sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
  3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and dry orzo pasta. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  6. Slowly pour in 2 ½ cups chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover with a lid.
  8. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender but slightly al dente.
  9. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy and smooth.
  10. Fold in fresh spinach and cooked sausage. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
  11. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and remove from heat.
  12. Serve warm, optionally topped with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Toast the orzo before adding broth to add nuttiness and help it keep shape. Use medium to medium-low heat to avoid evaporating liquid too quickly. Stir occasionally during simmer to prevent sticking. Add spinach last to keep it tender and vibrant. If sauce thickens too much after resting, stir in a splash of broth or cream before serving. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with vegan alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan meal, sausage and orzo, creamy pasta, spinach, sun-dried tomato, easy dinner, weeknight meal, quick recipe

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/creamy-one-pan-sausage-and-orzo-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-with-spinach-and-sun-dried-tomato/