Easy Sausage and Pea Orzo Risotto Recipe

Updated May 07, 2019

This recipe is the perfect solution for nights when you want something hearty, but don't want to make a big fuss about it. This orzo risotto has everything right in it: meat, pasta, vegetables, but it only takes one pot. And it has the velvety, creamy, hearty feel of risotto, with far fewer ingredients and babysitting.

Start off by browning good sweet Italian sausage in a little bit of olive oil, and add a chopped shallot if you have one. Then, add in the orzo, about half a box. Cover with water or stock, and if you follow the measurements below, and stir a little bit, after around 10 minutes, the orzo will be cooked and perfectly starchy and creamy, just like risotto. Add in the peas and Parmesan, and stir.

The sausage has that meaty fennel flavor. The peas pop sweetly in your mouth. The cheese makes everything thick and salty and nutty. And the orzo has collapsed in its own starchy, velvety juices. It's thick, homey Italian comfort food, and just what you need after a late walk home on a cold fall day. It's stick to your ribs, but so much simpler, and in a way, so much more welcome for it.

Recipe Details

Easy Sausage and Pea Orzo Risotto Recipe

Active 20 mins

Total 20 mins

Serves 2 servings

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Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
10 ounces Italian sausage, removed from its casing
1 medium shallot, minced (about 1/4 cup)
1/2 pound orzo
3 cups hot water or low-sodium homemade or store-bought vegetable or chicken stock
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
A handful chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Directions

Heat the oil into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces until no longer pink. Add the shallot and sauté until translucent, about 1 minute. Add the orzo and water or stock. Use a wooden spoon to help scrape any of the brown bits on the bottom of the pan from the sausage. Bring to a boil, then cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo has absorbed all the liquid and is cooked through (add more liquid if orzo starts to dry out or stick to the bottom). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the peas, and allow to cook for a minute or two just to thaw. Remove from the heat, and stir in the Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
764	Calories
36g	Fat
72g	Carbs
37g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories	764
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 36g	46%
Saturated Fat 13g	65%
Cholesterol 70mg	23%
Sodium 1383mg	60%
Total Carbohydrate 72g	26%
Dietary Fiber 7g	23%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 37g
Vitamin C 10mg	48%
Calcium 169mg	13%
Iron 5mg	30%
Potassium 651mg	14%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.