Description
This hearty one-pot orzo recipe combines mild Italian chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and sweet corn to create a comforting and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 14 ounces mild Italian chicken sausage
- ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Orzo and Broth
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
Greens and Toppings
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Remove the sausage from the casing and add it to a heavy bottom sauce pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and crumbly.
- Sauté onion and corn: Add the chopped onion and frozen corn kernels directly to the pot without thawing. Sauté for 10 minutes, allowing the onion to soften and corn to heat through.
- Add orzo and broth: Stir in the dry orzo and pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the orzo: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the orzo simmer for 10 minutes. Stir every few minutes and scrape the bottom of the pot frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Wilt the spinach: Remove the pot from heat, add the packed baby spinach, and stir well. Cover the pot for a couple of minutes until the spinach is fully wilted and tender.
- Finish and serve: Top the dish with freshly grated parmesan and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mild Italian chicken sausage with turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage for dietary preferences.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and adjust seasoning as needed.
- If fresh parmesan is unavailable, grated Pecorino Romano or a mild shredded cheese can be used.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta like rice or quinoa pasta.
- Stirring frequently while simmering prevents the orzo from sticking and ensures creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
