Description
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup that combines savory sausage, tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture, ideal for cozy dinners or impressing guests with a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats and Proteins
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
Liquids and Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces. This step releases rich flavors and fat that form the soup’s foundation.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until soft and fragrant. These ingredients bring a sweet, savory depth that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes along with their juices, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook until tender, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. The orzo absorbs the savory broth and helps thicken the soup slightly.
- Wilt the Greens: Add fresh spinach or your choice of greens right at the end, stirring until they’ve just wilted. This keeps them vibrant and fresh in both color and flavor.
- Season and Finish: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. For an irresistible finish, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese or add it as garnish when serving.
Notes
- Use quality sausage for enhanced depth and richness.
- Do not overcook orzo to avoid mushy pasta; add it near the end of cooking.
- Adjust broth amount to desired thickness; simmer longer for a more concentrated flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a brighter finish.
- Serve immediately for best taste; soup stores well if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: sausage soup, orzo soup, Italian sausage soup, hearty soup, quick soup, family-friendly soup, gluten-free soup
