One-Pan Italian Orzo Skillet

This one-pan Italian orzo skillet is my go-to for busy nights when I want something filling and full of flavor but with as little cleanup as possible. Each bite is packed with hearty sausage, seasonal vegetables, and creamy, cheese-studded orzo—all simmered together for genuine Italian comfort on a weeknight.

I started making this after a trip to Rome inspired me to use orzo more often. My family now insists it appears at least once a month, especially when friends come over (it is always the first thing to disappear from the table).

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: adds so much savory depth to the base look for high-quality sausage with visible herbs and spices
• Yellow onion: infuses sweetness and forms an aromatic foundation choose a firm onion with shiny skin
• Garlic: brings warmth and authentic Italian undertones use fresh cloves for best flavor
• Red bell pepper: offers a bright, slightly sweet pop of color and vitamin C pick one that feels heavy for its size
• Zucchini: balances out the richness with its subtle sweetness and tender bite opt for small to medium for the best texture
• Canned diced tomatoes: provide tangy acidity and help marry all the flavors choose good-quality tomatoes with little added salt
• Fresh spinach: stirs in at the end for extra color nutrition and freshness look for vibrant green leaves
• Dry orzo pasta: soaks up all the broth and flavors while delivering the creamy risotto feel use a brand that cooks evenly
• Chicken or vegetable broth: keeps everything juicy and brings extra comfort use low-sodium so you can control seasoning
• Olive oil: creates a rich base for browning the sausage and vegetables use extra virgin for best aroma
• Mozzarella cheese: turns gooey throughout and on top look for whole-milk mozzarella for best melt
• Parmesan cheese: gives a nutty sharp finish always grate your own for fresher flavor
• Dried Italian herbs: blend everything together with seasoning and aroma use a mix of oregano basil and thyme if you have them
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): for gentle heat shake them on if your crew likes some spice
• Salt and black pepper: for balance and to highlight every other ingredient fresh cracked pepper adds a nice kick

Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium. Add the Italian sausage. Cook while breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Keep cooking for about five minutes until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage to a plate and set aside

Sauté Vegetables:

Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the same skillet. Sauté for three to four minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned. Add minced garlic and diced zucchini and sauté for two more minutes. Stir often so the garlic does not burn

Toast the Orzo:

Add the dry orzo directly to the vegetable mixture. Stir constantly for about one minute. This helps toast the orzo and builds in a nutty flavor

Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth:

Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Pour in the broth and sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs crushed red pepper if using salt and black pepper. Increase the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil

Combine and Cook Orzo:

Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for ten to twelve minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo is done when it is tender but still slightly firm and most of the liquid is absorbed

Fold in Spinach and Cheese:

Uncover the skillet and stir in the chopped spinach and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently while the spinach wilts and cheese melts into the orzo. This should take about one minute

Finish with Cheesy Top:

Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan over the surface. Cover the skillet and let sit off the heat for two minutes. The cheese will melt with the residual heat for an ultra-creamy finish

Serve:

Spoon the hot orzo into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil leaves if you like and serve at once

Save It

My favorite ingredient in this skillet has got to be the orzo. I love how it transforms and absorbs so much flavor from the broth and sausage while taking on that perfectly creamy bounce you would expect from risotto. I remember letting my kids help sprinkle the cheese on top and watching their faces light up when it melts into gooey strings (it always means dinner time is going to feel special).

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish keeps well for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth before warming gently on the stove or microwave so the orzo loosens up and stays velvety instead of thick and sticky.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter flavor or pick a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian dish. If you cannot find orzo, substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous (just adjust the liquid as needed). For extra variety, toss in mushrooms or cubes of eggplant instead of zucchini, and switch up the greens if needed (baby kale or arugula works great too).

Serving Suggestions

Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic family feel. A bright green salad and simple crusty bread complete the meal and help soak up any sauce left behind. This skillet also pairs beautifully with a light-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or even a sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast.

Save It

This skillet is a true comfort meal your family will ask for again and again. Make it once, and it is sure to become a weeknight classic in your home.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different sausage variety?

Yes, chicken or turkey sausage works well for a lighter option; simply adjust spices to taste.

→ Is whole wheat orzo suitable?

Whole wheat orzo can be substituted, though you may need a little extra broth for proper cooking.

→ How do I make this vegetarian?

Omit sausage and double the vegetables—eggplant and mushrooms are excellent additions. Use vegetable broth.

→ Can extra vegetables be added?

Absolutely! Try mushrooms, eggplant, or even broccoli florets to boost flavor and nutrition.

→ Which cheese melts best for this dish?

Mozzarella provides a creamy texture; Parmesan adds tangy depth. Both melt beautifully in the skillet.

→ What wine pairs well with this?

A light Italian red, such as Chianti, complements the savory notes and finishes the meal nicely.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave; add a splash of broth to refresh texture.