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Orzo And Sausage Bake With Spinach

A cheesy, one-dish meal combining orzo, Italian sausage, and spinach that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups Orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 1 pound Italian sausage Mild or hot based on preference
  • 3 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 can Diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces
  • 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh basil, chopped, optional Garnish before serving
  • Nonstick spray or oil For greasing the dish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
Cook the Orzo
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Sausage
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Combine Everything Together
  1. Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked orzo and stir everything until coated. Fold in half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Layer Into the Baking Dish
  1. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. If it's browning too fast, tent it with foil.
Rest Before Serving
  1. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil if using.

Notes

Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. Combine different cheeses for more flavor. Allow to rest before serving for better texture. Add crushed red pepper for extra heat if desired.