Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo

Whenever I need a quick dinner that doesn't sacrifice flavor, this Garlic Butter Sausage & Orzo is one of my go-to recipes. I start by browning slices of smoked sausage in butter until they develop a beautiful caramelized crust. That leaves behind incredible flavor in the skillet that becomes the foundation of the entire dish.

Next, I sauté fresh garlic before adding the orzo and letting it toast for a couple of minutes. Toasting the pasta gives it a slightly nutty flavor that makes a huge difference. Then I pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, season everything with paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper, and let the orzo slowly cook until perfectly tender.

To finish, I stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until everything becomes rich, creamy, and silky smooth before folding the browned sausage back into the skillet. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brings a little freshness that balances the richness perfectly.

This is the kind of meal that's simple enough for a weeknight but tastes like something you'd order at a restaurant.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Everything cooks in one pan.

Ready in about 30 minutes.

Rich garlic butter flavor.

Creamy Parmesan sauce.

Easy enough for busy weeknights.

Minimal cleanup.

Family friendly comfort food.

Great for leftovers.

Variations

Spicy Cajun

Add Cajun seasoning and diced jalapeños.

Chicken Version

Replace the sausage with grilled chicken.

Shrimp Orzo

Add sautéed shrimp during the last few minutes.

Spinach Parmesan

Stir in fresh spinach before serving.

Mushroom Lover's

Add sliced mushrooms while cooking the garlic.

Broccoli Version

Mix in steamed broccoli for extra vegetables.

Bacon & Sausage

Cook chopped bacon with the sausage for even more smoky flavor.

Italian Style

Use Italian sausage and add sun-dried tomatoes.

Garlic Butter Sausage and Orzo

This One Pot Garlic Butter Sausage & Orzo is a rich, creamy comfortfood recipe made with smoked sausage, toasted orzo, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, all cooked in a single skillet.

4 from 1 vote

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Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound smoked sausage sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and sliced smoked sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned on both sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
• Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add Orzo and let it toast for about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and creamy. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Let simmer another 2 to 3 minutes.
• Top with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy immediately while hot and creamy.

Video

Recipe Tips

Don't skip toasting the orzo. Cooking the dry pasta for a minute or two before adding the liquid gives it a deeper flavor and helps prevent it from becoming mushy.

Keyword orzo pasta, orzo recipes, sausage and orzo, sausage recipes, smoked sausage

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