One-Pan Orzo with Chicken Sausage and Crispy Breadcrumbs

Looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to clean up? This one-pan orzo with chicken sausage is your answer. The orzo cooks right in the tomato sauce, soaking up all the flavor, while the sausage, onion and kale add heartiness and color. A final broil creates a golden, cheesy breadcrumb crust that makes every bite irresistible.

Best of all, this recipe requires just one ovenproof pan-no extra pots, no casserole dishes. It’s a complete meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a mountain of dishes.

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Ingredients

1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.5 cup Orzo PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

18 ounce Italian Chicken SausageView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce KaleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Italian SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

27.52 ounce Crushed TomatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Italian Cheese BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat your broiler to high or oven to 500°F with the rack in the upper position. Halve, peel and finely chop the onion. Measure out 1½ cups of orzo (save any extra for another use).
2. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage and break it into pieces. Cook, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add another drizzle of olive oil to the pan, then toss in the chopped onion, kale and a big pinch of salt. Cook, tossing, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in 5 teaspoons of Italian seasoning (reserve the rest for the topping) and a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in the orzo, crushed tomatoes, 1¾ cups water, 1 teaspoon sugar and a few generous pinches of salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente, 12-15 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add water ¼ cup at a time to loosen. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan and 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. If your pan is not ovenproof, transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
5. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter (about 20 seconds). Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the panko breadcrumbs, Italian cheese blend and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the orzo. Broil or bake until the topping is golden brown, 1-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. Let the dish stand for 5 minutes to cool and set. Sprinkle with extra chili flakes if desired, then divide among plates and serve.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute any fully cooked sausage, such as turkey or pork sausage. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free orzo and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.