This Chorizo Orzo recipe features rich flavor from the seasoned chorizo perfectly balanced by the sweetness of tomatoes and finished with a delicious combination of spinach and Parmesan cheese. This is a filling and enjoyable meal perfect for nearly any occasion.
About the Recipe
This recipe is a flavorful blend of browned chorizo, onions, garlic, and cherry tomatoes cooked with orzo in chicken broth until perfectly tender. Before serving, you stir in spinach and top with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for even more flavor. It is made entirely in one skillet, which makes for a quick and simple clean up!
This is a savory and comforting dinner option for busy evenings or gatherings with friends and family.
If you are looking for more pasta recipes, check out our: One Pot Broccoli Orzo, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, or Pesto Orzo.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Flavorful - The chorizo, garlic, tomatoes, and Parmesan create a flavor combination that is savory and slightly spicy. It is rich in flavor and will appeal to many.
Simple - With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. It is a great recipe for anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying meal that doesn’t require much time in the kitchen.
One pan - There is very minimal cleanup after making this meal all in one skillet, and it doesn’t get much better than that!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this one-pot meal recipe:
- Olive oil
- Chorizo - Use 1 pound of ground chorizo sausage.
- Onion - You will need ½ of a white onion.
- Garlic
- Salt & black pepper
- Tomatoes - Use 1 cup of cherry tomatoes or any baby tomatoes like heirlooms or grape tomatoes.
- Orzo
- Chicken broth - You can also use chicken stock.
- Spinach
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs - Use the fresh herbs for serving.
Directions
Let's make this delicious recipe together!
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, or until translucent.
Step 3: Add the garlic, salt, black pepper, and tomatoes. Stir well and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the orzo and chicken broth. Stir, cover and reduce the heat to simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the broth is absorbed.
Step 5: Remove the cover and stir in the spinach. Top with the parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this recipe:
Garnish - Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro. This makes the dish visually appealing and adds some great flavor.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this simple dinner recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet for this recipe.
Wooden Spoons - I love these wooden spoons for any recipe!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this chorizo orzo.
Chorizo - Experiment with different types of chorizo for varying levels of spiciness or flavors. Spanish, Mexican, or Portuguese chorizo can offer their own unique taste profiles.
Additions - Consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick. Feel free to include more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also top with lemon zest or lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Creamy Orzo - You can make this a creamy chorizo orzo by adding small cubes of cream cheese into the cheesy chorizo orzo. This will make the dish even creamier!
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this meal:
Miso Eggplant - You will love the harmony of umami-rich miso, the earthiness of sesame and the freshness of cilantro in this delicious eggplant side dish.
Sautéed Cauliflower - This Sautéed Cauliflower is a simple and delicious side dish to complement your next meal. It is easy to make and packed with tons of flavor and nutrients!
Sautéed Sweet Potatoes - This super easy sautéed sweet potatoes recipe is the perfect flavor packed side dish. They're my favorite way to make sweet potatoes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can substitute chorizo with other sausages like Italian sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based alternatives.
Certainly! You can experiment with different grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous. Just adjust cooking times and liquid amounts accordingly.
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead, like chopping the vegetables, to streamline the process.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this simple meal:
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a frying pan over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Chorizo Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground chorizo
- ½ white onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup dried orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups spinach
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh herbs for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook an additional 5 minutes. Until translucent.
- Add garlic, salt, black pepper, and tomatoes. Stir well, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add orzo and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, until the broth is absorbed.
- Remove cover and stir in spinach. Top with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs and serve.
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