Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s made in just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Second, the garlic butter sauce is incredibly flavorful, with a richness that perfectly complements the smoky sausage. The orzo absorbs all those delicious flavors, making every bite comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something both quick and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Orzo: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the garlic and butter.
- Simmer: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Combine: Stir in Parmesan cheese and cooked sausage. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for an extra layer of heat.
- Different Pasta: Swap the orzo for another small pasta, such as penne or rotini, if preferred.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or peas to the skillet for extra color and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular sausage instead of smoked sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer. Smoked sausage adds a deeper flavor, but regular sausage will work just fine.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes! You can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, penne, or farfalle as a substitute for orzo.
3. How do I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.
5. Is this dish spicy?
This dish is not inherently spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage if you want a kick.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s possible to freeze the dish, the cream sauce may change in texture after freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the cream and adding it later when reheating.
7. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
8. Can I use chicken instead of sausage?
Yes, chicken would be a great substitute. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter option.
9. What can I serve this with?
This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.
10. Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
Yes, you can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt levels, especially if you're watching your sodium intake.
Conclusion
One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo is a flavorful, comforting dish that's quick to prepare and perfect for any weeknight. The combination of smoky sausage, rich garlic butter sauce, and creamy Parmesan is irresistible, and the fact that it's all made in one pot makes cleanup easy. Whether you're cooking for your family or preparing a meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!
One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo
This One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo recipe is a quick and flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With smoky sausage, creamy garlic butter sauce, and tender orzo pasta, it's comfort food at its best. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy one-pot dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a savory and satisfying meal!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Orzo: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Simmer: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the orzo is tender.
- Combine: Stir in Parmesan cheese and cooked sausage. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, swap sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based alternatives.
- Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.
- This dish can be adapted with veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition.
