One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes Recipe
If you’re searching for a dinner that ticks all the boxes—flavorful, filling, and fantastically easy—look no further than this One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes. Packed with hearty whole-grain farro, juicy sausage, and bright notes of tomato, it’s a soul-warming main course that comes together without any fussy steps or extra dishes. Whether you’re pulling together a weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this wholesome meal shines as a go-to comfort classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor and just the right texture. With these kitchen staples, you’ll achieve a rich, savory meal that looks as inviting as it tastes.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon of good olive oil is the base for rich flavor and helps everything brown beautifully.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The main flavor driver—choose your favorite for either heat or mellow savoriness.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion lends subtle sweetness and depth to the dish as it softens.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the meal with irresistible aroma and zing.
- Farro (uncooked): This nutty ancient grain holds up beautifully while absorbing all the goodness in the pot.
- Diced tomatoes with juices: Tomatoes bring brightness, color, and a saucy component that farro loves.
- Chicken broth: Adds both moisture and savory background, making the whole dish come alive.
- Dried oregano: Italian herbs like oregano add unmistakable Mediterranean warmth and fragrance.
- Dried basil: Rounds out the herbal notes with subtle sweetness and freshness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat—add as much or as little as you like.
- Fresh baby spinach: Stirred in at the end for color, nutrition, and a touch of green earthiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a creamy, salty finish and ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for fine-tuning all the flavors to your taste.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkling of green for garnish gives freshness and a pretty finish.
How to Make One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or sturdy Dutch oven. Once shimmering, add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and break it up with a spoon. Let it sizzle and brown for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and has plenty of caramelized bits—these little flavor nuggets are pure gold in the finished dish!
Step 2: Soften the Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is golden and fragrant, toss in the diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes. Let it soften and pick up all those delicious meaty flavors from the pan. Next, add the garlic and let it cook for just a minute or so—don’t wander away! When you catch that first burst of garlicky aroma, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Add Farro, Tomatoes, and Broth
Now it’s time for the hearty, wholesome part: pour in the rinsed farro, the can of diced tomatoes (with all their juices!), the chicken broth, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like things a bit spicy. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any flavorful browned bits on the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil to kickstart the farro cooking.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to medium-low, pop the lid on, and let the One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally—your kitchen will smell fantastic! The farro should soak up most of the liquid and become tender but still slightly chewy. This texture is utterly satisfying and makes every bite interesting.
Step 5: Wilt the Greens and Finish
When the farro is nearly done, stir in the fresh baby spinach. Watch it wilt into the hot mixture within a couple of minutes. Turn off the heat and blend in the grated Parmesan cheese until creamy. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed—don’t be shy with the black pepper for a little extra pop!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes into bowls, then shower with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. That final sprinkle of vibrant green makes all the colors sing on your plate and adds a fresh note to every bite. Dig in while it’s steaming hot and creamy!
How to Serve One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes
Garnishes
This dish loves a little flourish! Try extra freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, and maybe a scatter of extra red pepper flakes for those who like more kick. And don’t forget a tuft of fresh parsley—it brightens every bowl and feels restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Honestly, One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes is a complete meal, but if you want something on the side, consider a crusty loaf of Italian bread for sopping up those tomatoey juices. A light mixed green salad with a tart vinaigrette also makes a crisp, refreshing contrast to the hearty main event.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or want to make things extra special, serve the farro in shallow bowls and top each portion with a dollop of ricotta or a swirl of pesto. For a rustic family-style approach, bring the pot straight to the table and let everyone fill their own bowl—casual dinners just got more fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes actually makes fantastic leftovers—the flavors deepen overnight! Just let the dish cool, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. It’s the kind of meal that makes lunch the next day feel like a treat.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash away servings for another time, this dish freezes well, too. Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip bags, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or using your microwave’s defrost option before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s looking a little thick, and give everything a good stir for even heating. Finish with a fresh hit of Parmesan and parsley to bring it back to life—delicious as ever!
FAQs
Can I use a different grain instead of farro?
Absolutely! While farro provides wonderful chew and earthiness, you can swap in pearl barley, brown rice, or even quinoa. Cooking times may vary, so check for doneness and adjust liquid if needed.
What’s the best type Main Course
Either mild or spicy Italian sausage works great in One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes. Choose based on your spice preference—spicy sausage adds a lively kick, while mild gives a more subtle, herby background.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Farro contains gluten, so this dish isn’t gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free option, try substituting a hearty grain like brown rice or certified gluten-free quinoa and watch the cooking liquid as you adapt the recipe.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Leave out the sausage and use a plant-based alternative or just add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a flavorful vegetarian meal.
Can I add extra veggies?
Go for it! One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes is very flexible. Zucchini, bell peppers, or kale all work beautifully—toss them in when you add the tomatoes and broth for more color and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving something cozy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, make One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes your next kitchen adventure. With one pot, simple ingredients, and loads of flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite you can’t wait to share. Give it a try and let this comforting, Italian-inspired meal win a spot on your regular dinner rotation!
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One Pot Farro with Italian Sausage and Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring farro, Italian sausage, and tomatoes, cooked to perfection with savory herbs and finished with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Farro Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked farro, rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Cook Italian sausage: Break it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic: Cook until softened, then add farro, tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until farro is tender.
- Add spinach: Cook until wilted, then season with salt and pepper.
- Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta before serving.
- Substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
