Simple Sausage & Creamy Tomato Orzo – One-Pan Dinner Perfection

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to dive into a warm, soul-hugging bowl of pure comfort? Today’s recipe, Simple Sausage & Creamy Tomato Orzo – One-Pan Dinner Perfection, is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

In traditional home kitchens, meals built around pantry staples like orzo, tomatoes, and sausage were cherished because they were filling, flavorful, and incredibly simple to bring together. This recipe honors that old-fashioned practicality while gifting you a modern, creamy twist. Everything cooks in one pan—no boiling separate pasta, no fuss—just rich tomato goodness infused with savory sausage and silky orzo that absorbs every drop of flavor.

This dish shines on busy nights when you crave something warm, indulgent, and deeply comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas—garlic sizzling, tomatoes simmering, sausage browning—inviting everyone to the table before you even call them. As the orzo cooks, it softens into a risotto-like texture that feels luxurious yet rustic, creating a creamy base that hugs every spoonful.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself after a long day, this simple one-pan masterpiece promises big flavor with minimal effort. So grab your skillet and let’s create a dinner that tastes like a warm, comforting hug! 🍅🔥🧀

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional but delicious)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh basil for garnish 🌿

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink.
3. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring often to avoid burning.
5. Stir in the dry orzo, letting it toast slightly in the sausage drippings for extra flavor.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo becomes tender.
8. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until fully incorporated into the tomato mixture.
9. Add spinach if using, stirring until wilted.
10. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce to thicken and enrich the dish.
11. Let the skillet rest off heat for 5 minutes; the orzo will continue absorbing flavor and creaminess.
12. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or extra Parmesan. Enjoy your dreamy, creamy one-pan perfection! 🍽️✨

Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~500 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

#onepandinner #orzorecipe #creamycomfortfood #easydinners #sausageandtomato

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️