One Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining spicy chicken sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender orzo pasta. Cooked all in one skillet, it’s an easy and comforting meal with a creamy texture thanks to parmesan and coconut milk or cream, enhanced with fresh spinach and zucchini for a nutritious finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Aromatics
- 3/4 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Pasta
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta
- 2 small zucchini, shredded
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Fresh basil for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet set over medium heat, brown the ground spicy Italian chicken sausage for about 5 to 8 minutes until cooked through. Add the chopped shallot, garlic, dried oregano, and thyme, then cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant and aromatic. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Broth and Mustard, Bring to Boil: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and stir in the dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook the Orzo and Vegetables: Add the dry orzo pasta and shredded zucchini to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, for about 6 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the zucchini softens slightly.
- Add Spinach and Cream, Finish with Cheese: Stir in the fresh baby spinach, pour in the coconut milk or heavy cream, and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top. Stir the mixture until it becomes creamy and the spinach wilts.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, serve the orzo warm, and top with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant and colorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Use heavy cream for a richer, more indulgent dish or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust the amount of spicy sausage or use mild sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Shredded zucchini adds moisture and nutrition; feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with fresh parsley or oregano for variation in flavor.
- This dish is ideally eaten fresh but can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
Keywords: one pot meal, creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian sausage, quick dinner, one skillet pasta, creamy pasta, healthy pasta dish
