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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.
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
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 630 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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!
Hi! Do you have recommendations on how to make this vegetarian?
Hi Helena,
Just skip the chicken:) I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Oh my. My neighbor next door texted me and asked if I want company, so you know the smell of this amazing dish is wafting through the building. Cold, rainy fall day here in Eastern PA. Perfect dish.
Hey Warren,
Happy Friday!👻 Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try and sharing your review! I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xT
My daughter made this for me. It’s so incredibly delicious!
Hi Jill,
Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! xx
This recipe is SO good! My husband and I made it earlier this week, and ate leftovers all throughout the week, and I did not get tired of eating it; it’s just that good! Will definitely be a regular recipe for us. Thank you!!
Hi Emily,
Happy Sunday! I am delighted to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
How would this be using ground Turkey/chicken? Any suggestions on maybe adding certain spices to make it taste better/more like sausage? (as ground Turkey and chicken can be quite bland)
Hey Fiona,
That should work well for you, you could mix in some Italian seasonings before using! Let me know how the recipe a turns out, I hope you love it! xx
Made this last night – it was fabulous! Used a combination of pork & chicken italian sausages, added some sauteed shiitakes and chopped filet green beans, subbed kale for the spinach. Used the other half of my sundried tomato jar (the first was for your creamy Tuscan chicken recipe last week). Flavors were amazing!
Hey Melanie,
Happy Sunday! I am delighted to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
Hi tieghan
My family and I love this recipe! It’s a new addition to our weekly rotation with the cooler weather. Quick question I use my staid braising pot for this and I always get orzo stuck at bottom and stir frequently— am I supposed to reduce the heat. Any tips of why this happens ?
Thanks 🙂
Hey Marla,
Wonderful! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed and appreciate you giving it a try! I would try reducing the heat next time. Have a great weekend!🍁
This recipe is fantastic! Really quick and easy to prep and make with such great flavor. This will be going on our regular meal rotation.
Hey Rachel,
Happy Friday!! I am delighted to hear that this recipe turned out tasty for you, thanks a bunch for giving it a try!
This recipe was delicious! What is the recommended way to store and heat up the leftovers?
Hi Kelsey,
Happy Friday!! I am delighted to hear that this recipe turned out tasty for you, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! Keep in an airtight container and you can microwave or reheat on low on the stove top. xx
Not very good. Poor instructions. Won’t prepare anything from here again.
Hi Gordon,
So sorry you feel this way, please let me know if I can help with anything! Happy Friday! xT
This was so good! Easy to make. I used1/2 Italian sausage & 1/2 ground chicken because all I had but was excellent as all of your recipes are.
Hey Angie,
Happy Wednesday! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for making it! xT
So easy and so much flavor. I used chicken apple sausage chopped up instead of spicy Italian chicken sausage because it is what I had on hand.
Hi Mary,
Wonderful! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for trying it out! xT
This is so good, tasty and easy to make. An excellent way to use zucchini from the garden.
Hi Sharon,
Perfect! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, I am so glad it was a hit! xx
Can this recipe be frozen?
Hi Kate,
I honestly don’t love freezing orzo. Check out my freezer friendly meal section on the blog:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/recipes/?_recipe_meal=freezer-friendly
I hope this helps! xT
Do I need to wring out the liquid from the shredded zucchini before putting in? Thanks!
Hi Dani,
For this recipe, you do not need to do that. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
This is decadent!!! Whole family thought it was delicious.
Thanks so much Mary!! Love to hear that this dish was enjoyed:) Have a great weekend! xx
This was SO easy and delicious, this is definitely going in weeknight rotation! Since we’re gluten free, I used Arborio rice (1.5 cups) instead of Orzo and simmered for 20 minutes. So so good! Thanks for all of your delicious recipes!!
Hi Courtney,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it and sharing your review! xT