This One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo dish is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and best of all, everything cooks in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. The savory flavors from the sausage, garlic, and Parmesan cheese combine deliciously with the light orzo pasta, resulting in a creamy and hearty dish that everyone will love.
Why make this recipe
Making One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo is a smart choice for several reasons. First, it’s a time-saver since you only need one pot to cook everything. This means less mess in the kitchen and less time spent cleaning. Second, the recipe is straightforward, which makes it great for cooks of all skill levels. Finally, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that will keep your family full and satisfied.
How to make One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo
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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the orzo pasta and mix well with the sausage.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to serve One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo
This dish is best served hot right after cooking. You can plate it up and sprinkle some fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to store One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
Tips to make One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo
- Use any smoked sausage you prefer, such as kielbasa or andouille, for different flavors.
- For a healthier twist, add some vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas during the cooking process.
- Adjust the cream and cheese amounts to your liking for a creamier or lighter dish.
Variations
You can easily customize this dish. Swap the orzo for another pasta type like penne or farfalle. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes along with the garlic. You can even convert it into a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and using mushrooms for added flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other pasta types, but cooking times may vary. Make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare everything ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve, adding a little more broth if needed.
Can I freeze One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo
A quick and satisfying one-pot meal featuring smoky sausage, orzo pasta, and creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the orzo pasta and mix well with the sausage.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a healthier option, add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Adjust cream and cheese for desired creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
