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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!
I could only find regular pork sausage (and sweet not spicy) but it was still delicious! And so easy to make plus minimal clean-up! Will definitely be making this again!
Hey Rachel,
Fantastic!! Thanks so much for sharing your feedback and giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it turned out well for you! Have a great weekend:)
Made this last night to the tee! Sooo creamy and yummy! Would suggest maybe using a large pot rather than a high wall skillet – just had enough room. But other than that, was a hit!
Hey Ashley,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xx
Made this for dinner and it was delicious and easy to make!! I was able to find the chicken sausage at Whole Foods and it was well worth the drive. Cannot wait to make this again!
Hey Taylor,
Happy Wednesday! Thanks so much for making this dish and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
This is INCREDIBLE! So quick, easy and a great way to add in hidden veggies! I only had ground chicken but added fennel, Italian and spicy seasoning and it tastes amazing. There’s so much- I’m pumped to make a few lunches for the week!😋
Hey Jessica,
Love it!!🤩 So glad to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for making it! xx
This is delicious!! I have made it twice and have used regular ground chicken when I could not find sausage – still great!! Just a quick question – do you think this recipe can be doubled?
Hey Melanie,
Happy Monday!! 🍁 Love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks a bunch for making it! Yes, you could totally double it! xT
DELICIOUS! Will absolutely be making this again.
Added mushrooms as well… superb!
Hi Brittney,
Happy Wednesday! I really appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad it was a winner! 🤩
Do you think I could make this with spicy Italian Beyond sausage? I would sub out veggie broth too. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Hey Julie,
Sure, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work well for you! I hope you love this dish, please let me know if you give it a try! xT
Made this dish tonight and loved it. I used deer sausage and switched the Dijon to honey mustard. It was delicious. HBH recipes do not disappoint!!
Hey Colleen,
Happy Monday!! 👻 I am so glad this recipe was tasty for you, thanks a lot for trying it out! xT
If I am using store bought shredded zucchini about how many cups are needed?
Hi Tracy,
I would say about 1 cup:) I hope this recipe turns out amazing for you, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
I made this last night for my boyfriend and I! so yummy! i used ground beef and it was like a gourmet hamburger helper
Hi Brittney,
Wonderful!🤩 I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it! xT
Do you drain the sun dried tomatoes or do you use them with the oil?
Hi Jane,
Yes, you can drain them:) Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope this recipe turns out well for you! xT
Hey there, I am gluten-free. Going to try to use arborio rice, any input? Thank you so much
That should work well for you Tammy!!
This really was a 30 minute, 1 pot meal. Simple ingredients, great flavors. Balanced. Wife loved it. Will be adding to the rotation. Can’t wait to try another HbH recipe
Hey Louis,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback, I am thrilled to hear that it was enjoyed! xx
Just made this – SO delicious and easy! Will definitely be making again
Hey Paige,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback, I am thrilled to hear that it was enjoyed! xx
Easy delicious meal!
Thanks so much Lauren!! So glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, thanks for making it! xT
10/10 will make again. So simple. So delicious. Entire family ate it and loved it. Prepackaged sausage freaks me out so we used store made honey garlic pork sausage and it turned out perfect. We will be adding this to the “regular rotation”
Hey there,
Happy Monday!! I am delighted to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try!🍁 xxT
This is amazing!!! The flavours are incredible, and it’s so simple and affordable to make. Thank you!
Hey Samantha,
Fantastic!! So glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for trying it out! Have a great weekend! xx
I made this for dinner tonight and it was awesome. I used pork sausage as I had it on hand and I added mushrooms to the mix too!
I loved how the zucchini disappeared into the sauce and how creamy this dish was. I will definitely be making this again.
Hey Tawnya,
Happy Friday!👻 Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try and sharing your review! I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xT
Would this work as a “make ahead” meal? Making it tomorrow, regardless!
Hey there,
I don’t love this as a make ahead meal, just because the orzo could get mushy or gummy! I hope you love the recipe! xx