Deconstructed Lasagna Orzo

Deconstructed lasagna orzo combines tender orzo, spicy Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta for an easy one-pot twist on classic lasagna.

Info and tips for deconstructed lasagna orzo

• Toast the orzo: Let the dry orzo cook with the aromatics for a minute or two before adding the liquid. This adds a little extra nuttiness and depth of flavour.
• Stir frequently: Orzo can settle and stick to the bottom of the pan as it cooks. Give it a good stir every couple of minutes, especially toward the end.
• Don’t let it get too dry: The orzo will continue absorbing liquid as it cooks. If it becomes thicker than you’d like, stir in an extra splash of broth to loosen it back up.
• Let it rest: Give the orzo a few minutes off the heat before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly and cling beautifully to the pasta.

Equipment

Use a deep Stainless Steel Pan so the orzo has enough room to expand.

Ingredients for deconstructed lasagna orzo

• 3 spicy italian sausage
• ½ onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp italian seasoning
• ¾ cup orzo
• 1 can mutti polpa
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp fresh basil
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• ½ cup ricotta
• 1 cup mozzarella
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Begin by breaking apart the sausages in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Fry until golden brown and cooked through and then remove from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan add your diced onion. Saute a few minutes before adding in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and italian seasoning. Saute again for another couple minutes.
3. Next add the orzo and brown for a couple minutes before adding in the tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and beef broth.
4. Simmer until the orzo is al dente, about 9-10 minutes.
5. Lower heat and add the sausage back in, along with half the fresh herbs and half the mozzarella. Taste test and adjust with salt & pepper.
6. Make the ricotta topping by combining the ricotta, the rest of the fresh herbs, and rest of the mozzarella. Season with salt & pepper and mix well. Serve the orzo with the herb ricotta mixture on top and enjoy!

See below for a video tutorial!

If you liked this one be sure to check out these:

• Tomato Orzo Meatball Soup
• Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

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Deconstructed Lasagna Orzo

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Comforting

By Kenna's Cooks – Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes – Cooking Time: 25 minutes – Total Time: 45 minutes

Deconstructed lasagna orzo combines tender orzo, spicy Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta for an easy one-pot twist on classic lasagna.

Ingredients

• 3 spicy italian sausage
• ½ onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp italian seasoning
• ¾ cup orzo
• 1 can mutti polpa
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp fresh basil
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• ½ cup ricotta
• 1 cup mozzarella
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1

Begin by breaking apart the sausages in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Fry until golden brown and cooked through and then remove from the pan and set aside.

2

In the same pan add your diced onion. Saute a few minutes before adding in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and italian seasoning. Saute again for another couple minutes.

3

Next add the orzo and brown for a couple minutes before adding in the tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and beef broth.

4

Simmer until the orzo is al dente, about 9-10 minutes.

5

Lower heat and add the sausage back in, along with half the fresh herbs and half the mozzarella. Taste test and adjust with salt & pepper.

6

Make the ricotta topping by combining the ricotta, the rest of the fresh herbs, and rest of the mozzarella. Season with salt & pepper and mix well. Serve the orzo with the herb ricotta mixture on top and enjoy!