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One-Pot Sausage and Orzo

A wintry situation recipe, this sausage and orzo pairs perfectly with earthy parsnips and creamy whipped ricotta.
4.75 from 8 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Inactive time: 15 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 544kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Whisk or hand mixer

Ingredients

  • 1 pound hot Italian sausage, loose
  • 4 ribs celery with leaves, trimmed and sliced; leaves minced and kept separate
  • 3 parsnips, peeled, trimmed, and sliced into half-moons
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 3 cups water or chicken stock
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • 3 tablespoons freshly minced parsley, divided
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested; zest kept separate from the juice
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the sausage:

  • Turn the heat on a large pot to medium-high. Crumble the sausage into the pot. Cook, turning the sausage occasionally, for 10–15 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the pot.

Cook the celery and parsnips:

  • Add the sliced celery ribs and parsnips to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat without moving for 5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until the parsnips begin to char and soften, about 10 minutes total. Turn the parsnips occasionally as they cook, but don’t disturb them too much.
  • Season the parsnips and celery with garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and add the minced celery leaves.
  • Return the sausage to the pot and add the orzo. Toss to combine and season once more with salt and pepper.

Simmer the orzo:

  • Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the orzo is al dente. Stir the orzo occasionally to ensure that it’s not sticking to the bottom of the pot. Taste and season.

Prepare the whipped ricotta:

  • Place the ricotta cheese in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons minced parsley and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Taste and season with salt. Transfer to the refrigerator until needed.

Prepare garnish:

  • In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon minced parsley with the lemon zest. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt and mix to combine. Set aside.

To serve:

  • Spoon the whipped ricotta onto plates. Pile the sausage and orzo on top. Sprinkle the parsley and lemon zest mixture on top, Finish each plate with a sprinkle of parm and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 544kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 32g | Sodium: 721mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 19mg
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