Description
The Sausage & Spinach Orzo Delight is a sumptuous dish that marries the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the creamy texture of orzo pasta and the freshness of baby spinach. This one-pot meal is not only heartwarming and comforting but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend dinners. The addition of Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes adds a delightful depth of flavor and a touch of heat that can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 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 cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-step Directions
1. Cooking the Sausage
Add the Italian sausage to a soup pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Adding Onions
Stir in the chopped onions and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until the sausage is nicely browned and the onions have softened.
3. Infusing Flavors
Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and orzo to the pot. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to let the garlic release its aroma.
4. Adding Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking.
5. Finishing Touches
Remove the pot from the heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan and fresh spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Cool the leftovers to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the orzo in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the mixture appears too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
The Sausage & Spinach Orzo Delight is an exemplary comfort food recipe that combines simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques to create a flavor-packed meal. Its creamy texture and robust flavors make it an appealing option for anyone looking for a satisfying dish that is both easy to make and comforting. Whether for a quiet family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is poised to impress.
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Sausage & Spinach Orzo Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
The Sausage & Spinach Orzo Delight is a sumptuous dish that marries the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the creamy texture of orzo pasta and the freshness of baby spinach. This one-pot meal is not only heartwarming and comforting but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend dinners. The addition of Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes adds a delightful depth of flavor and a touch of heat that can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 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 cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cooking the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to a soup pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Adding Onions: Stir in the chopped onions and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until the sausage is nicely browned and the onions have softened.
- Infusing Flavors: Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and orzo to the pot. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to let the garlic release its aroma.
- Adding Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the pot from the heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan and fresh spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.