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Boursin Sausage Orzo Dinner

Boursin sausage orzo dinner - featured image

A creamy, one-pan orzo dinner featuring melty Boursin cheese, golden-brown sausage, and colorful veggies. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and endlessly adaptable to your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (about 10 oz)
  • 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs or any flavor)
  • 12 oz Italian sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey; casings removed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage (casings removed), breaking it up with a spoon. Sauté until golden-brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. If needed, add a splash of broth to loosen any browned bits.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and orzo. Toast orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly golden.
  4. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally and cook until orzo is just al dente and most liquid is absorbed, 10-12 minutes. Add extra broth or water if pan looks dry.
  5. Turn off heat. Fold in chopped spinach and dollop in Boursin cheese. Stir until cheese melts into a creamy sauce and spinach wilts.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let orzo rest 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm, optionally topped with parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. Toasting the orzo before adding broth adds a nutty flavor. Add extra veggies like zucchini or peas if desired. If orzo thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth before serving. A squeeze of lemon or drizzle of olive oil brightens the dish.

Nutrition

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