Description
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a rich and creamy Italian-inspired soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all simmered in a flavorful chicken broth with a touch of cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying bowl perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Liquids and Pasta
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Add-ins and Garnish
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until fully browned. Remove excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy soup.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the dry orzo pasta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is tender but not mushy.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy and well combined.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Leftovers tend to thicken as they cool; reheat gently with additional broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- This soup is delicious served alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
