Print

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Orzo with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Orzo - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring browned Italian sausage, creamy sauce with cream cheese and Parmesan, tender spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet, mild, or spicy)
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (about 270g)
  • 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped (about 120g)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned, packed in oil (about 70g), drained slightly
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (about 60g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and slightly crisp on the edges. Spoon out excess grease if needed, leaving some for sautéing aromatics.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pan with the sausage. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the orzo pasta to the pan. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to lightly toast the orzo, coating it in the sausage fat and oil.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth or water if it becomes too dry before the orzo is cooked.
  5. Stir in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and brightens in color.
  6. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan. Mix until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Brown the sausage thoroughly for crispy edges to add flavor and texture. Toast the orzo briefly to prevent sticking and add nuttiness. Partially cover the pan while simmering to cook orzo evenly. Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth or cream as needed. Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta. Vegetarian option: replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan sausage, orzo pasta, creamy pasta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/creamy-tuscan-sausage-orzo-recipe-easy-homemade-spinach-sun-dried-tomato-pasta/