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

Hearty soups warm the soul, especially when packed with robust Italian sausage orzo soup flavors that dance on your palate.

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of pure deliciousness.

Rich, savory ingredients mingle to create a symphony of taste and texture.

Tender orzo pasta nestles among perfectly seasoned sausage chunks, creating a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, promising a satisfying dining experience.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of hearty vegetables and mouthwatering proteins.

This recipe stands ready to become your new cold-weather favorite, offering warmth and nourishment in every delightful bite.

Cooking Instructions for Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

• Sausage Preparation

Brown Italian sausage in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Remove sausage and drain excess fat, keeping a small amount in the pot.

• Vegetable Foundation

Sauté chopped onions and celery in remaining fat until they soften and release their aromatic flavors, creating a rich base for the soup.

• Flavor Layering

Introduce minced garlic and a light dusting of flour, stirring quickly to prevent burning and develop a subtle nutty undertone.

• Liquid Harmony

Pour chicken broth smoothly into the pot, blending with flour mixture. Add canned tomatoes and dried oregano. Return sausage to the pot and bring to a gentle boil.

• Orzo and Cream

Reduce heat and add orzo and cream, allowing the soup to simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until orzo becomes tender.

• Final Flourish

Incorporate fresh spinach just before serving. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile. Ladle into bowls and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread.

Flavor Options and Custom Tips for Orzo Soup

• Kitchen Wisdom: Smart Sausage Soup Secrets
• Fat Flavor Boost: Save a tablespoon of sausage drippings for incredible depth of taste that elevates the entire soup's richness.
• Texture Trick: Stir orzo frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even, perfect pasta texture throughout the soup.
• Spinach Swap Strategy: Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutritional profiles and slightly varying flavor dimensions.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those wanting extra heat and a zesty kick to the soup's profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to three months. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers, then reheat gently on the stovetop for a quick meal.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Warm

• Hearty Bread Companion: Slice up a rustic sourdough or classic french baguette to dunk into the rich, flavorful soup. The crusty edges perfectly soak up the savory broth.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving. These bright green herbs add a pop of color and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Grate some parmesan or pecorino romano cheese over the hot soup. The salty, nutty cheese melts slightly and creates an extra layer of deliciousness that complements the Italian sausage.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair the soup with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy salad provides a perfect contrast to the warm, hearty soup and creates a well-balanced meal.

Storing Orzo Soup and Reheating Instructions

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Each serving stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Refrigerator Refresh Technique: Store leftover soup in sealed containers for 3-4 days. The orzo might absorb more liquid, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore original consistency.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Keep spinach separate from soup when storing to prevent wilting. Add fresh spinach leaves just before serving for maximum texture and vibrant green color.
• Portion Control Method: Use individual mason jars or meal prep containers to divide soup into single-serving sizes. This approach helps manage portion sizes and makes grab-and-go lunches incredibly convenient for busy days.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Ingredient Breakdown

• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, meaty depth and authentic Italian taste with its spicy and herbal profile.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a robust liquid base that infuses the soup with comforting, savory undertones.

• Onion, Celery: Provides a classic mirepoix foundation that builds layers of subtle, sweet vegetable complexity.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent, warming kick that elevates the overall soup's flavor profile.

• Flour: Serves as a natural thickening agent to create a silky, luxurious soup consistency.
• Orzo: Introduces delightful pasta texture that makes the soup more substantial and satisfying.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a velvety, rich smoothness that rounds out the soup's flavor and creates a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Baby Spinach: Brings a fresh, vibrant green color and nutritious leafy element to the final dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contributes bright, tangy acidity and a robust red color to the soup base.
• Dried Oregano: Sprinkles authentic Mediterranean herbaceous notes throughout the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances all the ingredients' natural flavors.

Tools and Equipment for Sausage Orzo Soup

• Large Soup Pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup from start to finish, with enough space to sauté and simmer ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sausage, vegetables, and orzo without scratching the pot's surface.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to chop onions, celery, and potentially slice sausage if required.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure broth, orzo, and seasonings.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Used to drain excess fat from browned sausage.

Hearty Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty italian sausage orzo soup brings comfort and warmth to winter meals. Savory Italian sausage, tender orzo, and rich broth create a satisfying bowl that warms souls and delights diners.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz (454 g) Italian sausage
• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
• 1 (28 oz/794 g) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 cup (190 g) uncooked orzo
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy/whipping cream
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps flour
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sausage Searing: Caramelize Italian sausage in a soup pot over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until thoroughly cooked with a rich, golden exterior.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Remove sausage, leaving a thin layer of fat, then sauté onions and celery until soft and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Flavor Development: Dust with flour, add garlic, and create a smooth base by stirring to prevent burning, then gradually introduce chicken broth to eliminate potential lumps.
4. Liquid Integration: Incorporate canned tomatoes, dried oregano, and return sausage to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat, add orzo and cream, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until orzo reaches perfect tenderness (10-12 minutes).
6. Final Touch: Fold fresh spinach into the soup just before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste, and ladle into bowls.
7. Serving Suggestion: Accompany with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Sear Sausage Strategically: Browning the sausage at medium-high heat creates a caramelized exterior, intensifying the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Build Flavor Foundation: Sautéing onions and celery in the reserved sausage fat develops a rich, aromatic base that enhances the soup’s depth.
• Prevent Lumpy Texture: Gradually whisk chicken broth into the flour mixture, ensuring a smooth, velvety consistency without unwanted flour clumps.
• Timing is Crucial: Monitor orzo cooking carefully, as overcooking can result in mushy pasta – aim for al dente texture by checking at the 10-minute mark.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg