One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Orzo
A hearty one-pot meal combining savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a fragrant tomato broth. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs Italian sausage (casings removed), extra virgin olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/3 cup dry white wine and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wine reduces slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 cups chicken broth, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup orzo pasta, stirring well. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Remove the lid, stir in 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 7: Turn off heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Orzo take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Orzo?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Orzo?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Orzo for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Italian Sausage and Spinach Orzo?
Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
