Tender orzo with sausage, vegetables, and melty cheese, all cooked together in one pan for maximum flavor.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 9 oz Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy as preferred)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 zucchini, diced
06 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, with juice
07 - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
→ Pasta & Pantry
08 - 1 cup dry orzo pasta
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Dairy
11 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Herbs & Spices
13 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
14 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until thoroughly browned and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Incorporate minced garlic and diced zucchini, and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
03 - Stir in the dry orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
04 - Add canned diced tomatoes with juice, broth, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Return cooked sausage to the pan, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Fold in chopped spinach and half the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until spinach wilts and cheese is melted.
07 - Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the grated Parmesan over the skillet. Cover and allow to sit off the heat for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh basil as desired.
