One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo – 30-Minute Dinner Recipe

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

There are weeknights when time, energy, and motivation all run low—and that’s exactly when this recipe saves the day. I first made it out of desperation to use up some leftover orzo and a half-pound of Italian sausage. That quick, one-pan dinner turned out so comforting and flavorful, it immediately earned a spot in our regular dinner rotation.

This dish is one of those rare weeknight recipes that hits every mark: fast, affordable, minimal cleanup, and family-approved. If you’re searching for easy dinner recipes under 30 minutes, or want to put leftover orzo to good use, this one-pot pasta delivers on every level.

One-Pot Italian Sausage and Orzo

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• Author: Chloe
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A quick and hearty one-pot pasta dinner with Italian sausage and orzo, simmered in a tomato broth and ready in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)

1 cup uncooked orzo

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

2 cups chicken broth

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup Parmesan, chopped basil

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Instructions

1. Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.

3. Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.

4. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.

5. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

6. Simmer covered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Once orzo is tender, remove from heat and stir in Parmesan if using.

8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

For added creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or splash of cream at the end.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: One Pot
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: One Pot Orzo Recipes, Recipes For Italian Sausage Dinners, Leftover Orzo Recipes, Easy Dinner Recipes 30 Minutes, Kielbasa Orzo Recipes

Simple Ingredients, Bold Flavors

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for this easy one-pot wonder:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: grated Parmesan and fresh basil

Ingredient Swaps

You can make this recipe work with what you have:

• Swap sausage for kielbasa for a smoky variation
• Use leftover cooked orzo to cut the cook time
• Toss in chopped spinach or zucchini for added veggies

How to Make It in One Pot

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles.
2. Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes for extra flavor.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
5. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a low simmer.
6. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Stir in Parmesan if desired, and garnish with chopped basil.

Why One Pot Is Best

Everything cooks together—no draining, no extra pots. The orzo soaks up all that sausage flavor and turns creamy without needing a separate sauce.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Fast, Filling & Family-Approved

This meal delivers rich, savory flavor without taking over your evening. It’s got pasta, protein, and veggies in one skillet—what more do you need?

Leftover Friendly

This makes one of the best dinner ideas for leftovers. It reheats well the next day and is even better with a splash of broth or water to refresh the orzo.

Make It Your Own

Add Veggies or Make It Creamy

Want extra nutrition? Stir in:

• Fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes
• Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini while browning sausage

For creaminess, try:

• ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese stirred in after cooking

Meal Prep & Storage

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth. You can even freeze it—just cool completely first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Store in the fridge or freeze individual portions.

Can I substitute the sausage?
Definitely. Kielbasa, chicken sausage, or ground turkey work too.

Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or rice pasta, and double-check your sausage and broth ingredients.