Creamy Italian Sausage Zucchini Orzo is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture this: the rich, savory aroma of sizzling sausage wafts through the kitchen, mingling with the fresh scent of zucchini. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a twist of elegance—because, honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that feels both homey and a little bit fancy?
Steps
- Begin by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and add the sausage. Cook it until it browns, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Mix in the diced onion, zucchini, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes, and continue to sauté for another 5 to 6 minutes until the onion softens.
- Introduce the orzo, tomato sauce, and beef or chicken stock to the pot, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and continue cooking until the orzo is al dente, adding more stock if necessary to keep the mixture from becoming too thick.
- Stir in the heavy cream, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more basil as desired.
- Serve the dish warm, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (choose between spicy, mild, or sweet)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef or chicken stock
- ? cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, with additional for serving
- 3 ounces fresh baby spinach (approximately 2 large handfuls)
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sausage or protein in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage, ground beef, chicken, or turkey, depending on your preference.
- What are some alternative vegetables I can use instead of zucchini?
- You can replace zucchini with asparagus, bell peppers, broccolini, eggplant, green beans, peas, or yellow squash. Just adjust the cooking times as necessary for the vegetables you choose.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use your preferred gluten-free orzo or a similarly-sized gluten-free pasta.
- Is there a way to make the dish spicier or milder?
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
- Can I add extra cheese to this recipe?
- Absolutely! This dish pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ricotta or burrata cheese, adding a creamy texture and flavor.
Tips
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Opt for a spicy Italian sausage if you like a bit of heat, or select a mild or sweet variety for a milder flavor profile. Plant-based sausages can be a great alternative if you’re avoiding meat.
- Mind the Veggies: Feel free to swap out zucchini for other vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or peas, but keep an eye on the cooking times to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.
- Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your taste. Double it for an extra spicy dish or omit it entirely to keep the dish mild.
- Keep it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream to achieve a creamy texture in the sauce. You can adjust the quantity to your preference, adding more if you desire a richer sauce.
Equipment
- Large Stockpot – Used for cooking the entire dish in one pot.
- Wooden Spoon – Helpful for breaking up and stirring the sausage and other ingredients as they cook.
