Description
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a hearty, soul-soothing dish that combines savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or special moments, this flavorful soup layers bold and comforting textures with versatile and customizable options, making it ideal for cooks of all skill levels and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 1 cup orzo pasta (substitute gluten-free pasta or quinoa for gluten-free option)
Liquids and Base
- 6 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Greens and Toppings
- 3 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casings and cook in a large pot over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook until soft and fragrant to build the soup’s savory base.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to blend all the flavors.
- Cook the Orzo: Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but still slightly firm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Greens and Finish: Stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Use quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Lightly toast the orzo in the pot before adding broth for a nutty depth.
- Do not overcook orzo; it should be tender but not mushy.
- Add fresh parsley or basil at the end for extra aroma.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to deepen the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: sausage soup, orzo soup, Italian soup, comfort food, gluten free, easy soup, cozy meal, hearty soup
