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Italian Sausage Orzo

Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo: Your New Favorite Comfort Meal

This Creamy Italian Sausage Orzo brings together the flavors of Italian sausage, creamy parmesan, and fresh spinach, making it a perfect comfort meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 each Onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes optional
  • 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta or small pasta
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan or Grana Padano
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach or other leafy greens

Equipment

  • Large Soup Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot, heat over medium-high heat and add crumbled Italian sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through.
  2. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion is softened and translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, sauté for about 30 seconds.
  4. Add uncooked orzo to the pot, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  7. Once the orzo is tender, remove from heat and mix in freshly grated Parmesan and baby spinach. Cover for 3-5 minutes until spinach wilts.
  8. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stirring gently to ensure everything is well combined.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 24gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Stir frequently while cooking, adjust consistency by adding broth or cream, use quality sausage, and allow to rest before serving.

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