Go Back
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Creamy Tuscan Orzo with Sausage: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor and texture in this dish. The orzo pasta gives a nice base, while the sausage adds heartiness. You can choose mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. The olive oil and garlic give a rich base, while the cherry tomatoes and spinach add freshness. The heavy cream and Parmesan create that dreamy sauce, making every bite creamy and delicious. Don't forget the fresh basil! It adds a touch of brightness and flavor that ties everything together. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook the orzo according to package directions. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. This adds flavor to the orzo. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the orzo. Stir it gently to prevent sticking. Cook it until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand. Drain the orzo and set it aside. - Heat olive oil in a skillet. - Crumble and cook Italian sausage until browned. Next, grab a large skillet and pour in the olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Crumble it with a spatula as it cooks. You want it to get nice and brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked through. - Sauté garlic until fragrant. - Add tomatoes and spinach. - Incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. This brings out its rich flavor. Next, toss in the cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook these for 3-4 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and the spinach to wilt. Then, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese next. Stir everything until smooth and creamy. - Add cooked orzo to the sauce. - Stir to combine and heat through. Finally, add the drained orzo to the skillet. Stir it well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Once done, your creamy Tuscan orzo with sausage is ready to enjoy! To make the sauce just right, you can adjust the creaminess. If you want it richer, add more heavy cream or cheese. A splash of cream can make it velvety and smooth. Fresh herbs can also boost flavor. Try adding basil or parsley for a pop of freshness. Not only do they taste great, but they also brighten the dish visually. Choosing the right sausage is key. You can go for mild or spicy Italian sausage. Mild gives a sweet flavor, while spicy adds a kick. If you want something different, try chicken sausage or turkey sausage. They work well too and can lighten the dish a bit. If you want a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage. It tastes great and keeps the meal hearty. You can also add other veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms. They add color and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic to enhance their flavor before mixing in the cream. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Look for vibrant colors and firm textures when selecting your produce. Customize the Spice Level: Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. You can also add red pepper flakes to increase the heat for an extra kick. Perfectly Cook the Orzo: Make sure to cook the orzo al dente to maintain a slight bite. This will help it hold its shape and texture when combined with the creamy sauce. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Don’t skip this important finishing touch! {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free version of this dish, you can substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer pasta that cooks similarly to traditional orzo. Just be sure to check the package for cooking times. Gluten-free pasta may need less time in water than regular orzo. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. You can easily swap the Italian sausage for chicken or ground turkey. Both options work well and add a different flavor. For a vegetarian source of protein, consider adding chickpeas. They add a nice texture and absorb the sauce well. This option keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. To brighten the flavors, try adding lemon zest. It gives a fresh, zesty kick that balances the creaminess. You can also play with different cheese types. For instance, try using mozzarella or feta. Each cheese adds its own unique taste to the dish. Experiment and find your favorite combination! To store leftovers, let them cool first. Place the creamy orzo in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the quality may drop. Always check for any off-smells or signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to freeze your creamy orzo, it’s best to do it right away. Portion the orzo into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out any air before sealing. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to bring back the creaminess. Stir it well until heated through. Enjoy your delicious dish even after storing! It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. So, you can enjoy this dish in just 25 minutes. Yes, you can use alternatives. Try using half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter dish. You can also blend silken tofu with broth for a creamy texture. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A light white wine like Pinot Grigio enhances the meal. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. This blog post explored how to make a delicious Creamy Tuscan Orzo with Sausage. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You can adjust the recipe based on your taste or dietary needs. Don’t forget to try new variations to keep your meals exciting. Enjoy making this easy dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. With simple steps, you create a meal everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Creamy Tuscan Orzo with Sausage

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with Italian sausage, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, crumble and add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then add the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted and smooth.
  • Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and mix until well combined, allowing the orzo to soak up the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Keyword creamy, orzo, pasta, sausage, Tuscan