Spicy Sausage Orzo Skillet (Print Version)

One-pan skillet with spicy sausage, orzo, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful sauce for an easy Mediterranean-inspired dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 12 oz spicy Italian sausage, casings removed and sliced or crumbled

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 zucchini, diced
06 - 3.5 oz baby spinach

→ Pasta

07 - 9 oz orzo pasta, uncooked

→ Liquids

08 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
09 - 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

→ Spices and Seasonings

10 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Cheese (optional)

14 - 2 oz grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano

→ Olive Oil

15 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until well browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and zucchini, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
03 - Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute, ensuring grains are evenly coated.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Stir in oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
05 - Return browned sausage to skillet. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes, until orzo is al dente and most liquid absorbed.
06 - Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste as desired.
07 - Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated cheese if using. Serve immediately while hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses just one skillet for easy cleanup
  • Hearty enough for cold nights but fresh with bursts of zucchini and spinach
  • Flexible with protein and veggie swaps to suit your taste
  • Ready in under forty minutes
02 -
  • Great way to use up stray vegetables in the fridge
  • High in protein and fiber
  • Freezes beautifully for future meals
03 -
  • Toast the orzo before simmering this step builds amazing background flavor and prevents mushiness
  • Buy sausage from the butcher counter if possible for the best spice and texture
  • Barely wilt the spinach at the end to keep its bright color and nutrition

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