Easy Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty soups speak volumes about comfort and warmth, especially when an Italian sausage orzo soup brings robust flavors to the table.

Savory sausage sizzles alongside tender orzo, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Rich broth embraces each ingredient with depth and character.

Vegetables add vibrant colors and nutritional punch to this delightful dish.

Aromatic herbs weave through the soup, enhancing every spoonful with Mediterranean charm.

This one-pot wonder promises to chase away hunger and cold with its satisfying blend of ingredients.

Ladle up a bowl and let deliciousness take center stage.

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Best Qualities

• This soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without complicated steps.
• Swap spinach for kale or add extra vegetables to make the recipe uniquely yours, giving you flexibility and creativity in the kitchen.
• Loaded with protein from sausage, vegetables, and hearty orzo, this one-pot wonder provides a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nourishes your body.
• Kids and adults alike will love the rich, hearty flavors and simple ingredients, making it an ideal family dinner that everyone can enjoy together.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that provides a rich and spicy foundation for the soup.

• Onion, Celery: These classic vegetables add depth and aromatic base to the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Spinach: A fresh green that adds color, nutrition, and a light, earthy element to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that creates the soup's main liquid base.
• Tomatoes: Adds acidity, color, and a slight tangy flavor to the soup.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and a creamy consistency to the soup.

• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that adds substance and texture to the soup.
• Oregano: A classic Italian herb that brings a traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall taste.

Equipment for Orzo Soup Perfection

• Large Soup Pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup, with enough space to sauté sausage and simmer ingredients.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Perfect for draining excess fat from browned sausage.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Crucial for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, celery, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.

Sausage Orzo Soup Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Unleash Sausage Flavor

Remove sausage from its casing and crumble into a large soup pot.

Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat turns a rich golden brown and develops deep, delicious caramelization.

Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving behind a tantalizing layer of fat in the pot.

Step 2: Awaken Vegetable Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and celery into the pot, allowing them to dance and soften.

Sprinkle in flour and minced garlic, stirring constantly to create a fragrant base that will thicken your soup beautifully.

Step 3: Craft Liquid Magic

Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking to ensure the flour blends smoothly without lumps.

• Diced tomatoes
• Dried oregano
• Cooked sausage

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, letting the flavors mingle and intensify.

Step 4: Introduce Pasta Paradise

Pour in cream and orzo, reducing heat to a soft simmer.

Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking, allowing it to become perfectly tender and absorb all the incredible flavors.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Fold in fresh spinach leaves, letting them wilt gently.

Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the soup sings with perfect harmony.

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Tricks and Tips

• Choose high-quality Italian sausage with balanced spices for deeper flavor profile and richer taste.
• Stir orzo frequently during cooking and add extra broth if needed to keep soup liquid and prevent clumping.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutritional benefits and subtle flavor changes.
• Maintain gentle simmer to ensure orzo cooks evenly without becoming mushy or overcooked.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving to enhance aroma and add bright, fresh notes.

Creative Takes on Sausage Orzo Soup

• Vegetarian Veggie Power: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra firm tofu, keeping the same cooking technique and spice profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular orzo with gluten-free rice orzo or quinoa, and use gluten-free flour for thickening the soup base.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Trade Italian sausage for spicy chorizo, add diced green chiles, and replace oregano with cumin and chili powder for a zesty flavor boost.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or diced zucchini, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup's hearty texture.

Bringing Italian Sausage Orzo Soup to the Table

• Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Serve this robust soup with crusty Italian bread for dipping, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for added richness and texture.
• Weekend Lunch Champion: Enjoy alongside a glass of light red wine like Chianti, which complements the sausage's savory profile perfectly.
• Meal Prep Marvel: Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches, as the soup tastes even better the next day when flavors have melded together.

Sausage Orzo Soup Storage Tips

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep spinach separate if possible to maintain texture.
• Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2-3 months.
• Place soup in microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with small vent. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until soup reaches 165°F.
• Pour soup into medium saucepan. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent thickening. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adjust liquid if needed for desired consistency.

FAQs

• Is orzo different from other pasta?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and adds a unique texture to soups, unlike traditional long pasta shapes.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version of the soup.

• How can I make this soup more hearty?

Add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots, or include white beans for additional protein and thickness.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats easily, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian sausage orzo soup blends robust flavors from Italy’s culinary landscape. Savory ingredients meld together, creating a comforting bowl that warms souls and satisfies hunger with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) Italian sausage, removed from casings if needed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped finely
• 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
• 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach (optional)

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large soup pot over medium-high, crumble sausage and cook until golden brown and fully rendered, approximately 7-10 minutes. Transfer meat to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving tablespoon of rendered fat in pot.
2. Sauté diced onions and celery in remaining fat until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over vegetables, add minced garlic, and stir continuously for 1 minute to prevent burning.
3. Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking to eliminate flour lumps. Incorporate diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and previously cooked sausage. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream and orzo pasta. Maintain a low simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to pot bottom. Cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo reaches al dente texture.
5. Fold fresh spinach into soup, allowing leaves to wilt. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to personal preference. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

• Customize Sausage Selection: Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference, or swap with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Prevent Orzo Clumping: Stir frequently during cooking and add a splash of olive oil to keep pasta separate and prevent sticking.
• Vegetable Flexibility: Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini or carrots to boost nutritional value and add extra texture to the soup.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare soup in advance and store in refrigerator, adding fresh spinach just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg