One-Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Orzo with Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory one-pot meal combining spicy Italian sausage with tender orzo pasta and bright tomato sauce, finished with fresh basil for an easy weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs Italian sausage (mild or spicy), olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage removed from casing and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 small diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 4 minutes until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, 1 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Orzo with Basil 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 Tomato Orzo with Basil?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Italian Sausage and Tomato Orzo with Basil?

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 Tomato Orzo with Basil 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 Tomato Orzo with Basil?

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.

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