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Creamy One-Skillet Cheesy Sausage Orzo

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A quick and easy one-skillet dinner featuring creamy, cheesy orzo with savory Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and fresh spinach. Perfect for cozy weeknights and ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or spicy)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (170 g)
  • 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and roughly chopped (about 120 ml)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, packed (about 60 g)
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth (720 ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 g)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving some for flavor.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Stir in orzo pasta, coating it with the sausage and onion mixture. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should absorb most of the broth and be tender.
  5. Stir in roasted red peppers and fresh spinach. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
  6. Pour in heavy cream, then stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.

Notes

Use warm broth to help orzo cook evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add cheese off heat or on very low to avoid stringiness. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Spinach can be swapped with kale or Swiss chard. Sausage can be replaced with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Nutrition

Keywords: one skillet, cheesy sausage orzo, quick dinner, easy recipe, creamy pasta, Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, spinach, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-one-skillet-cheesy-sausage-orzo-recipe-easy-perfect-dinner-idea/