Quick & Easy One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach Recipe

One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. This one-pot wonder takes just 30 minutes from start to finish and delivers creamy, flavorful comfort food every single time. No need to babysit multiple pots or break a sweat—it’s a simple, set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen.

I first tried this recipe on a night when time was tight, and let me tell you, it changed the way I think about quick dinners. Traditional risotto-style dishes take way too long on busy evenings, but this easy one-pot orzo recipe? It’s done in a fraction of the time, and you still get all the creamy satisfaction. Trust me, you’ll love how simple it is to whip up!

Why This One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach Is a Game-Changer

• Minimal prep: Just 5 minutes to chop the onion and handle the sausage.
• One pot means fewer dishes—no extra cleanup stress!
• Quick cooking: Orzo cooks in about 10 minutes, cutting your total time down significantly compared to traditional pasta dishes.
• Balanced meal: Protein-packed sausage, fiber-rich spinach, and sweet corn make this a wholesome option.
• Hands-off time: While it simmers, you can focus on other tasks (or kick back for a bit).

Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach

• Heavy-bottom pot: A Dutch oven or large saucepot is perfect here to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for breaking up the sausage and stirring the orzo.
• Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan takes this dish to the next level—totally worth it!

If you don’t own a Dutch oven, any wide, sturdy pot will do. Just make sure it distributes heat evenly.

Simple Ingredients for One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach

This recipe was designed to use easy-to-find, store-bought ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Italian chicken sausage: Mild works well here, but if you like a little kick, try hot sausage for extra spice.
• Frozen corn: No thawing required. Sweet and juicy corn adds pops of flavor to each bite.
• Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta cooks faster than traditional pasta, making it perfect for quick meals.
• Baby spinach: Pre-washed, bagged spinach saves even more time. Toss it in right before serving to keep it tender yet fresh.

Pro tip: If you don’t have frozen corn, canned corn works just as well—just drain it first!

One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach Recipe Details

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach Ingredients

• 14 ounces mild Italian chicken sausage
• ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups packed baby spinach
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Freshly ground black pepper

How to Make One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach

1. Remove the sausage from the casing and crumble it directly into a heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven.
2. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break it into pieces as it browns.
3. Stir in the chopped onion and frozen corn. Sauté for 10 minutes until the onion softens and everything starts to caramelize.
4. Add the dry orzo and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Once the orzo is tender, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the baby spinach, then cover the pot for a couple of minutes to allow the spinach to wilt.
7. Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach

• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly—grating your own makes a difference!
• Don’t skip stirring: Orzo can stick, so give it a quick stir every 2-3 minutes as it simmers.
• Make ahead: Pre-cook the sausage and chop the onion earlier in the day to save even more time.
• Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Double it up: This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Easy One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach Variations

• Vegetarian version: Leave out the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a hearty twist.
• Spicy kick: Swap mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage, or add red pepper flakes during cooking.
• Cheesy upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan for extra creaminess.
• Clean-out-the-fridge: Toss in any leftover veggies—zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers all work great!

One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach FAQs

Can I use pork sausage instead of chicken sausage?

Absolutely! Pork sausage works perfectly here and adds an even richer flavor. Just be mindful of the fat content, and drain any excess grease if needed.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or even short-grain rice. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on your chosen substitute.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir frequently until warmed through.

Can I freeze this dish?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild sausage and subtle sweetness from the corn make it a hit with kids. You can omit the spinach if they’re picky eaters or chop it finely so it blends in seamlessly.

This One Pot Orzo with Sausage and Spinach has everything you need for a satisfying, no-fuss dinner. It’s quick, delicious, and versatile—plus, cleanup is a breeze. What’s your favorite time-saving one-pot meal? Let me know in the comments below!