One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta Recipe

If you’re longing for a weeknight dinner that checks all the right boxes—hearty, flavorful, and easy to clean up—let me introduce you to One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta. This dish brings the coziness of an Italian kitchen right to your table, blending juicy sausage, tender pasta, vibrant veggies, and fragrant herbs together in one glorious skillet. The beauty of this recipe is how everything cooks together, letting each ingredient infuse the others with bold, satisfying taste. It’s the kind of meal that makes you pause with every bite—savoring the rich flavors while you marvel at how quick the prep and cleanup really are.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is delightfully straightforward, with every ingredient playing a star role. From the savory Italian sausage to the fresh spinach, the essentials below work together to bring color, heartiness, and authentic Italian flavor to your One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta.

• Italian sausage (sweet or spicy): The star of the show—choose your preferred heat level for a richer depth of flavor that anchors the dish.
• Orzo pasta: These tiny, rice-shaped pasta pieces cook up perfectly tender and absorb all the delicious pan juices.
• Bell pepper (any color): Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color, making each bite extra pleasing.
• Yellow onion: Creates an aromatic base and the subtle sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
• Garlic: Just a few cloves give the whole dish an irresistible, classic Italian aroma.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Use the tomatoes plus their juices to build a tangy, craveable sauce.
• Fresh spinach: Folded in at the end for bright color and a burst of nutrition—it wilts in just the right way.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Gives the orzo its flavor as it cooks and keeps everything juicy, not dry.
• Dried basil: A must for capturing those fresh, herbaceous Italian notes.
• Dried oregano: Earthy and robust, it pairs perfectly with basil and tomatoes for genuine Italian vibes.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and deepening all the savory flavors.

How to Make One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a swirl of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage—either sliced if using links, or crumbled if using bulk—and cook until the pieces turn beautifully golden and caramelized on the edges. This step gives the meat a toasty flavor and lays the foundation for the entire One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta adventure. Browning the sausage also leaves tasty browned bits in the pan, which add loads of flavor to the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Once the sausage is cooked, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about three to four minutes, just until everything softens and the aroma fills your kitchen. This step is crucial—it builds layers of flavor, and the juices released from the vegetables help lift any caramelized goodness sticking to the pan. Your base is now bursting with color and fragrance!

Step 3: Add the Orzo, Tomatoes, and Broth

With your kitchen smelling amazing, it’s time to pour in the orzo pasta, canned diced tomatoes (don’t drain them!), and the low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for maximum flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—the broth will help the orzo cook while also creating a luscious sauce that binds the One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta together.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to low, cover your skillet, and let the pasta gently simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Make sure to give it a stir occasionally to keep anything from sticking or burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, but it’s still a bit saucy. This step transforms individual ingredients into one harmonious, comforting pan of goodness.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Herbs

Now, for the finishing touch: fold in the fresh spinach along with the dried basil and oregano. The warmth from the pan will wilt the spinach almost instantly, and the dried herbs release their aroma, tying everything together. Give your One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta a final gentle stir, taste it for seasoning, and get ready to serve up something special and flavorful—straight from the skillet.

How to Serve One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan takes this dish from delicious to show-stopping. For extra flair, toss on a few ribbons of fresh basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick. These touches not only add flavor, but also a beautiful finish that makes your One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta look straight out of a trattoria.

Side Dishes

Although bold enough to shine on its own, One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of sauce. If you’re feeling extra hungry, a simple side of roasted vegetables or a small antipasto platter rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family-style vibe, serve this dish straight from the skillet at the center of your table. Hosting guests? Spoon the One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta into shallow bowls or onto a platter, garnished generously, for a rustic yet elegant presentation. For picnics or potlucks, pack it up in a covered casserole dish—this pasta travels well and reheats like a dream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully over time, often making leftovers taste even better!

Freezing

This dish freezes fairly well, so don’t hesitate to tuck some away for a future busy night. Simply portion cooled One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta into freezer-safe containers for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive its saucy sheen if needed. Stir gently as it warms, and finish with fresh basil or cheese to bring the flavors back to life.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian twist. Just choose a sausage with robust Italian seasoning to keep the flavor profile of your One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta on point.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free orzo at specialty or major grocery stores. Alternatively, swap in short-grain rice and adjust the cooking time and broth amount as needed to achieve that tasty, cozy texture.

What if I don’t have spinach?

No worries—kale, arugula, or even Swiss chard can be folded in at the end for a similarly vibrant, nutritious layer. Use what you have on hand to keep things flexible and fuss-free.

Can I make One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta ahead of time?

You sure can! This recipe reheats beautifully, so go ahead and cook it up a day in advance if you like. Store covered in the fridge, and simply reheat gently with a splash of broth before serving.

How can I add extra veggies?

This dish is endlessly adaptable—toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or peas along with the peppers and onions if you’re in the mood for even more color and flavor. It’s a great way to use extra veggies from your fridge and make your One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta even heartier.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a satisfying, effort-friendly meal, I can’t recommend One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo Pasta enough. It’s colorful, crave-worthy, and guaranteed to make family dinners feel a little bit more special. Give it a try—you might just find yourself coming back for seconds (or thirds)!

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