Creamy Sausage and Kale Orzo
Sausage and Kale Orzo is cozy, dependable, and quietly elegant. It proves that comfort food can still feel refined, and that the simplest meals are often the most memorable.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Italian sausage sweet or spicy, depending on preference
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta high-protein, lower-carb recommended
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 2 cups fresh kale packed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook just until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Add the dry orzo directly to the pan and stir to coat it in the sausage and aromatics. Let it toast gently for one to two minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the orzo is tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the kale. It will wilt quickly in the warm sauce, turning bright green and tender within a minute or two. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Finish with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if you like a touch of heat.
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. It melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a silkier texture.
If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. For extra greens, spinach can be added alongside or in place of the kale.
Sweet Italian sausage keeps the dish family-friendly, while spicy sausage adds a welcome kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Both work beautifully.