Name: Creamy Sausage Orzo with Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 14 ounces mild Italian chicken sausage; ½ medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 3 cups packed baby spinach; 1 cup dry orzo; 3 cups low sodium chicken broth; ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 72 reviews

If you’re hunting for a cozy, comforting dinner that comes together in just one pot, I can’t recommend this Creamy Sausage Orzo with Spinach Recipe enough. It’s one of those meals I keep coming back to when I need something warm, satisfying, and totally fuss-free. Just imagine tender orzo swimming in a silky broth, sausage-packed with flavor, and bright spinach to balance it out—pure comfort food magic!

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Simplicity: You’re minimizing cleanup but maximizing flavor with everything cooking together.
Perfectly Creamy Texture: The orzo soaks up the broth, becoming tender and luscious without any added cream.
Balanced Flavors: Mild chicken sausage, sweet corn, and fresh spinach create a harmonious blend that pleases everyone.
Fast and Flexible: This recipe fits busy weeknights but is fancy enough to impress guests.

Creamy Sausage Orzo with Spinach, sausage orzo skillet, one-pot sausage and spinach dish, easy creamy sausage pasta, comforting sausage dinner - A white pot filled with a textured mix of small yellow corn pieces, green spinach leaves, light brown cooked meat, and white rice mixed with grated cheese. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pot on the right side, partially submerged in the mixture, showing a rich combination of colors with bits visible on top and throughout. The pot is set on a white marbled surface with a small pile of shredded cheese in the lower right corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here play perfectly off each other to create layers of taste and texture. Fresh spinach adds brightness, the sausage brings richness, and the orzo gives you that satisfying, creamy base. When shopping, I usually go for mild Italian chicken sausage because it cooks up juicy without overwhelming the dish, but you can swap according to your mood.

Creamy Sausage Orzo with Spinach, sausage orzo skillet, one-pot sausage and spinach dish, easy creamy sausage pasta, comforting sausage dinner - Flat lay of a whole mild Italian chicken sausage, half a medium yellow onion chopped into small pieces, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright yellow frozen corn kernels, a simple white ceramic bowl holding uncooked orzo pasta, a small white ceramic bowl with golden chicken broth, a loose pile of fresh packed baby spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated pale parmesan cheese, and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper scattered nearby, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mild Italian chicken sausage: Use quality sausage with natural casings for the best flavor and texture.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, savory depth when sautéed.
Frozen corn kernels: No need to thaw—adds a pop of sweetness and color effortlessly.
Dry orzo: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the lovely broth.
Low sodium chicken broth: Controls saltiness while keeping the base flavorful.
Baby spinach: Fresh and tender, it wilts gently right in the pot.
Freshly grated parmesan: Bring on that salty umami finish that elevates the whole dish.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Creamy Sausage Orzo with Spinach Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it based on what you have or your personal taste. I love switching up the sausage type depending on the mood and sometimes sneak in extra veggies for a colorful boost.

Variation: I once swapped the chicken sausage for spicy chorizo, which added a fun smoky heat that my family adored.
Greens upgrade: Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a hearty twist – just increase the wilting time.
Diet tweak: For a dairy-free version, skip the parmesan and add a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.
Make it vegan: Use plant-based sausage and veggie broth, and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to keep it flavorful.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Orzo with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Build Flavor

Start by removing the sausage from its casing—it’s a bit messy but so worth it! Crumble it into your favorite heavy bottom pot or Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat. Don’t rush—give it about 5 minutes until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step really lays down the flavor foundation for the whole dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Corn

Next, toss in your chopped onion and frozen corn kernels—no need to thaw these! Let them cook together for about 10 minutes. This slow sauté softens the onion and brings out its natural sweetness while warming up the corn, which adds a lovely pop of texture later.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo in Broth

Now, stir in the dry orzo and pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine before bringing the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir every few minutes and scrape the bottom of your pot—this helps prevent the orzo from sticking and burning.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Finish with Parmesan

When the orzo is tender and creamy, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the baby spinach, cover the pot, and let it sit untouched for a couple minutes—this gentle steam softens the greens perfectly. Finish by sprinkling generous amounts of freshly grated parmesan and freshly ground black pepper. Give it one last stir and you’re ready to serve!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush the Browning: Taking your time browning the sausage brings out caramelized notes that boost the whole dish’s depth.
Stir Often When Simmering: Orzo has a sneaky tendency to stick and stick—and burn—so frequent stirring is your friend here.
Use Fresh Parmesan: The fresh stuff melts beautifully and adds a brightness that pre-grated can’t match.
Add Spinach Off Heat: Adding it right before serving keeps it tender and green without overcooking.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Orzo with Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a fresh crack of black pepper. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice—it brightens up those rich flavors beautifully. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil also lend a wonderful fresh touch if you have some on hand.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Sausage Orzo with Spinach Recipe stands beautifully on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies when I want to round out the meal. Garlic bread or crusty baguette also pairs nicely if you’re craving something to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this in warmed shallow bowls with a little parmesan crisp on top for texture contrast. You can also make mini portions in small ramekins, garnished with a sprig of fresh herb, perfect for hosting friends and making it feel a bit fancy but totally approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in the fridge—just pop them into an airtight container. In my experience, the orzo continues to soak up the broth overnight, so it thickens up a bit. Adding a splash of broth or water when reheating helps restore that luscious creaminess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this creamy sausage orzo before with good results. Just freeze in meal-sized containers, leaving a little space for expansion. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best texture, then gently reheat on the stove with a bit of liquid added back in to loosen it.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of broth or water. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy again. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can dry out the orzo or make sausage unevenly hot.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I love the mild Italian chicken sausage for its balance of flavor and lightness, you can switch to pork, turkey, or even spicy varieties depending on your preference. Just be mindful of fat content and adjust cooking times if needed.
Is this Creamy Sausage Orzo with Spinach Recipe gluten-free?

Traditional orzo contains wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo alternatives made from rice or corn flour. Cooking times might vary, so keep an eye on the texture as it simmers.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes along with the onions and corn. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure veggies are tender but not mushy.
What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

If parmesan isn’t available, a hard grating cheese like Pecorino Romano works well, or you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative. The key is a salty, umami-packed finish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall as in love with this Creamy Sausage Orzo with Spinach Recipe as I have—it’s truly one of those dinners that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple, versatile, and has just the right amount of creaminess without being heavy. Trust me, whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or want a dependable, crowd-pleasing meal, this one’s a winner. Grab your pot and give it a try—I promise you’ll be reaching for it again and again.

Creamy Sausage Orzo with Spinach Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 72 reviews

Author: Lucy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring Italian chicken sausage, tender orzo pasta, sweet corn, and fresh spinach, all cooked together in a rich chicken broth and topped with parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

14 ounces mild Italian chicken sausage
½ medium yellow onion, chopped
1 cup frozen corn kernels
3 cups packed baby spinach

Pantry Items

1 cup dry orzo
3 cups low sodium chicken broth

Finishing Touches

¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing and add it to a heavy-bottomed sauce pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and frozen corn (no need to thaw) to the pot. Sauté everything together for 10 minutes until the onion is soft and the corn is heated through.
Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the dry orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over 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 to prevent the orzo from sticking or burning.
Wilt Spinach: Remove the pot from heat, add the baby spinach, and stir it in. Cover the pot and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the spinach has wilted.
Finish and Serve: Top the dish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute mild Italian chicken sausage with turkey sausage or a vegetarian sausage alternative if preferred.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free orzo pasta or substitute with rice.
Adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can brighten the flavor and add a little heat.
If you want a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese when adding the spinach.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.