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This simple One Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo is about to be a new weeknight staple. Quick, easy, and so delicious! Pan-seared Italian chicken sausage, cooked with herbs, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, fresh zucchini, spinach, plus orzo pasta. It’s a fast dinner made in one pot with incredible flavor! The family will all enjoy this fresh take on a creamy pasta dish.
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It’s a fun time of year for cooking. I see September as a transitional month into fall. The weather is still warm (it’s been 80 here in New York), but the days are shortening and there is a crispness in the air. The humidity that most of you get starts to dissipate, and everyone begins to get ready to embrace fall.
Or at least this is how I feel, tell me if I’m wrong though!
It’s also a fun time for cooking because we still have all the produce of summer, in fact so much of it is in peak season! I’m having fun creating warmer, cozy recipes, but using lots of produce. And of course, all the fresh basil that we’ve been growing.
I’ve strolled the markets here in New York and it’s apparent that there is a lot of zucchini happening. I also love seeing all the fresh florals. There are so many autumn colors throughout the city right now.
I love it.
Here are the details
As you might guess, this recipe is pretty straightforward and simple.
Start with a nice big high-sided skillet and add in spicy Italian sausage. I always prefer to use chicken sausage, which I buy from the Whole Foods meat counter. They’ll make it fresh for you. If chicken sausage is not available for you, you can easily make your own. Simply add 2-3 tablespoons of Italian seasoning to ground chicken.
Or just use pork sausage, it’s just as yummy, only a little greasier.
Add all the usuals – shallots, garlic, some oregano, and thyme. For the herbs, I used fresh herbs. But I also gave measurements for dry herbs since I know many of you appreciate that.
Pour some broth into the skillet, then dijon, the orzo, and shredded zucchini. I like to use zucchini for added vegetables and creaminess. It melts down into the sauce wonderfully. It’s my secret to creamy pasta!
Finish with milk, I use goat milk, but canned coconut milk is really nice and creamy.
Then add Parmesan and fresh basil to really make this dish delish.
Super simple yet so much flavor.
This will be great for serving to family on busy nights. I love how easily it comes together. Oh, and the leftovers reheat well and are delicious the following day for lunch or dinner.
I haven’t had a chance to serve this to Creighton just yet, but I know he’ll love it. Anything with some spicy Italian sausage makes his day!
Looks like I’ll be making this yet again!
Looking for other simple dinners? Here are my favorites:
One Pot French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta
One Pan Corn and Zucchini Pesto Orzo Casserole
Lastly, if you make this One Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
One Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta
- 2 small zucchini, shredded
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- fresh basil
Instructions
- 1. In a large skillet set over medium heat, brown the chicken sausage over medium heat, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the shallots, garlic, oregano, and thyme, and cook until fragrant, 3 minutes. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook another 2 minutes. 2. Pour in the broth. Add the dijon, then bring to a boil. Add the orzo and zucchini and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, 6 minutes. Mix in the spinach, pour in the milk, and sprinkle over the parmesan. 3. Stir until creamy, then remove from the heat. Serve topped with fresh basil. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
I am looking at the recipe, but I wanted to know if there was a way to make this dish without the mustard and the cheese.?
Hi Sharon,
Sure, just skip the mustard, I would try using a dairy free cheese:) Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xx
Could you use pork sausage I stead of chicken?
Yes, absolutely! xT
I am so sad to say that I have to go gluten free (autoimmune reasons 😩). Has anyone tried this with aborio rice?
I should say this is a family favorite. Perfect everytime….I always doubled the “sauce” ingredients. But everything else is divine. I will my darndest to figure out a GF option for this one.
Love to hear this:) Thanks for making it so often!!
Hi there,
The arborio rice should be just fine for you to use! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Absolutely incredible!
Whenever I have people over for dinner this is my go to!
Everyone has asked for the recipe
The only thing I changed was I used a spicy pancetta instead of the chicken sausage!
Hi Alysha,
Happy Sunday!!😃🍊 I appreciate you making this recipe and your comment, so glad to hear it was delish! xx
Amazing! Just made this and the fam is loving it!
Hi Wendy,
Happy Friday!!🍍🥥 Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
So yummy! As a busy student & athlete this recipe is such an easy way to get all my veggies, carbs and protein into one meal! Heats up so well as left overs or meal prep as well. 10/10 Tieghan, always love your recipes. <3
Hi Kathryn,
Happy Friday!!🍍🥥 Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
This is literally my favorite food in the whole world lol. If you prep/chop everything first it’s a breeze and comes out insanely good every time. Thank you for creating this Tieghan, it changed my life
Hey Maggie,
Happy Monday!! 🍋🫐 I truly appreciate you making this recipe and your comment, love to hear that it was a hit! xT
Yes, yes, yes. Loved this. Quick and easy. Swapped out chicken sausage for mild Italian otherwise was a huge hit with my family!
Hey Mary Lynn,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for making it:)
Great weeknight meal! This recipe is so easy to follow and was bursting with flavor! Thank you!
Hey Amanda,
Happy Monday!! I am so glad to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for making it! xx
This was absolutely delicious! Made with well-seasoned, cubed chicken in lieu of sausage. This made a ton so I had plenty for lunches all week. Thank you for this simple addition to my recipe box.
Hey Megan,
Happy Wednesday!! 🌞 Love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for making it! xT
I made this for a small dinner party!
It was a HUGE IT!
THANKS
Hey Anita,
Happy Monday!! ☀️⛅️ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
I just made this one-pot recipe last night for a small, casual get-together with friends at our home. Coupled with a fresh loaf of bread and salad, it was a huge hit! I forgot to add the lemon juice at the end (next time!), went heavy on the parmesan, and also subbed in ziti for orzo, as I wanted something a little more robust. Definitely will be making this again!
Hey Danielle,
Happy Monday!! ☀️⛅️ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
So very good, just follow the recipe you won’t be disappointed.
Hey Gwen,
Happy Sunday!! Love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for making it! xT
This recipe is incredible! My new all-time favorite!
I added a whole bag of baby spinach and it was excellent – a great way to get nutrients 🙂
I would love to see more one pot meals that include veggies like this one. Thank you!
Hi Christina,
Happy Friday!!☘️ Thanks a bunch for testing this recipe out and sharing your review, I’m so glad to hear it was delish! xx
Super yummy recipe! I made it today for a church potluck and didn’t have any left to bring home. It was really flavorful and creamy. The only thing I changed was to add a bit of olive oil to the pan to cook the sausage and I added basil with the other herbs because I couldn’t find chicken basil sausage and had mild Italian chicken sausage – which worked great.
I will definitely be making this one again!
Hey Lori,
Happy Monday!!🌞 Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your review, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! xx
My favorite recipe so far. I’ve made it three times and it never disappoints!
Hi Lauren,
Happy Monday!!🌞 Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your review, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! xx