Creamy One-Pot Orzo with Sausage, Spinach and Corn: A Family Favorite

The One-Pot Sausage and Orzo recipe is a perfect solution for those seeking easy and tasty dinners.

This pasta dish allows you to mix hearty ingredients into something special with minimal fuss.

The sausage brings strong flavors and protein, while fresh veggies add both nutrition and color.

Cooking everything in one pot means less cleaning up afterward, which is always a plus.

You can easily tweak this recipe by adding seasonal ingredients to match your tastes or dietary needs.

It’s quick to make, making it great for busy weeknights or relaxed meals with loved ones.

Tips For Cooking One-Pot Orzo With Sausage, Spinach And Corn

• Swap Sausage Smartly: Replace pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish's robust flavor profile.
• Maximize Veggie Power: Toss in additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more colorful, textured meals.
• Prevent Sticky Situation: Stir orzo constantly during simmering and add a splash more broth if needed to avoid clumping and ensure creamy consistency.
• Make It Vegetarian Friendly: Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, using vegetable broth to maintain the dish's hearty character.
• Enhance Leftovers Potential: Store in an airtight container and reheat with a little extra broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness when reheating.

How To Store One-Pot Orzo With Sausage, Spinach And Corn

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Pairing Ideas For One-Pot Orzo With Sausage, Spinach And Corn

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of sausage and complement the fresh spinach flavors.
• Serve with Rustic Bread: Grab a crusty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious broth and add a textural contrast to the creamy orzo.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the hearty one-pot meal.
• Add Refreshing Side Drink: Pour a sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds.

Tasty Variations For One-Pot Orzo With Sausage, Spinach And Corn

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish celiac-friendly. Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free or use vegetable broth.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, diced bell peppers, and swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate fresh oregano for a zesty Mediterranean touch.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use riced cauliflower instead of orzo. Increase protein with grilled chicken or tofu. Reduce corn quantity or omit for fewer carbohydrates.

FAQs For One-Pot Orzo With Sausage, Spinach And Corn

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like rice-shaped pasta, small shells, or ditalini. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

• Is it okay to use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels work great. If using fresh corn, add it at the same time as the onions and reduce cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for protein and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• What kind of sausage works best in this recipe?

Italian sausage or spicy breakfast sausage are excellent choices. Mild or hot varieties both work well depending on your flavor preference. Remove the casing before cooking for the best texture.

Why One-Pot Orzo With Sausage, Spinach And Corn Saves Time

• Quick One-Pot Magic: Effortlessly combine all ingredients in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and saving precious time in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like corn and sausage, this dish appeals to both adults and children, making mealtime a breeze.
• Versatile Weeknight Warrior: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe tackles busy schedules with minimal preparation and maximum taste, perfect for hectic evenings when cooking feels overwhelming.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Combines protein-rich sausage, nutrient-packed spinach, and sweet corn, delivering a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in one delicious serving.

Ingredients For One-Pot Orzo With Sausage, Spinach And Corn

• Sausage: Hearty base protein with rich flavor, choose spicy Italian or mild variety for preferred taste profile.

• Onion: Aromatic foundation with sweet undertones, fresh and crisp for best results.
• Spinach: Nutrient-dense leafy green that wilts perfectly into the dish, fresh or frozen work well.

• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully, Italian pasta ideal for one-pot meals.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base providing depth and moisture, low-sodium recommended for better flavor control.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds luxurious finish, freshly grated preferred.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that enhances overall dish complexity, freshly ground recommended.

• Corn: Sweet kernel vegetable that adds texture and natural sweetness, no thawing required.

One-Pot Orzo With Sausage, Spinach And Corn How-To

Step 1: Unleash the Sausage

• Remove sausage from its casing
• Drop into a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Cook over medium-high heat
• Break up meat with a wooden spoon for 5 minutes

Step 2: Boost the Flavor Base

• Add chopped onion
• Toss in frozen corn (no thawing required)
• Sauté everything together for 10 minutes

Step 3: Introduce the Orzo

• Stir in orzo pasta
• Pour in chicken broth
• Bring mixture to a rolling boil

Step 4: Simmer and Stir

• Lower heat to medium-low
• Let orzo simmer for 10 minutes
• Stir frequently to prevent sticking

Step 5: Create the Final Magic

• Remove pot from heat
• Fold in fresh spinach
• Cover for a few minutes until spinach wilts

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan
• Crack black pepper on top
• Serve steaming hot directly from the pot

Creamy One-Pot Orzo with Sausage, Spinach and Corn Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty One-Pot Orzo with Sausage, Spinach and Corn blends Mediterranean comfort with rustic charm, delivering a symphony of flavors in a single skillet. Savory sausage, sweet corn, and tender spinach create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Proteins:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) mild Italian chicken sausage

Starches and Grains:

• 1 cup (170 grams) dry orzo

Vegetables and Produce:

• ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup (150 grams) frozen corn kernels
• 3 cups (85 grams) packed baby spinach

Liquids and Broths:

• 3 cups (710 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth

Cheese and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (25 grams) freshly grated Parmesan
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Liberate sausage from its casing and deposit into a robust Dutch oven or substantial pot.
2. Render the sausage over medium-high temperature, diligently fragmenting with a wooden utensil until achieving a golden, crumbly texture.
3. Introduce diced onion and frozen corn kernels, allowing them to caramelize and meld together through a vigorous sauté for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Cascade orzo and aromatic chicken broth into the mixture, elevating the temperature until a rolling boil emerges.
5. Moderate the heat to a gentle simmer, stirring consistently to prevent grain adhesion and ensure uniform cooking for 10 minutes.
6. Extinguish the flame and immediately fold fresh spinach into the steaming mixture, covering briefly to allow tender wilting.
7. Conclude by generously crowning the dish with freshly grated Parmesan and a flourish of cracked black pepper.
8. Serve immediately while the dish retains its peak temperature and vibrant textures.

Notes

• Boost the flavor by using spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of heat and depth in the dish.
• Swap ground sausage with plant-based crumbles to create a vegetarian version that maintains the robust taste profile.
• For a gluten-free alternative, replace orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice without compromising the overall texture and cooking method.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding roasted red peppers or

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg