If you’ve been searching for a soul-warming, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, look no further than this Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe. It’s a delicious blend of savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant veggies swimming in a fragrant tomato and herb broth. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this soup strikes the perfect balance of hearty and fresh with every spoonful. Trust me, it’s a recipe that invites second helpings and maybe even a vow to make it again soon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this soup plays a starring role, keeping things simple but full of flavor and texture. From the spicy kick of Italian sausage to the delicate pasta pearls of orzo, each item brings something special to the pot.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing that adds richness without overpowering flavors.
- Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, it provides the savory heart of the soup with its juicy, seasoned goodness.
- Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened and caramelized.
- Garlic cloves: Offers that unmistakable aromatic punch to awaken the senses.
- Large carrot: For a subtle natural sweetness and a pop of cheerful orange color.
- Ribs of celery: Brings a crunchy freshness that balances the richness of the sausage.
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): The base of the broth, infusing the soup with acidity and vibrant flavor.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that give a warm, earthy, herbaceous lift.
- Red pepper flakes: Completely optional but add a little tempting heat if you like things spicy.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that brings everything together into a comforting soup.
- Orzo pasta: The tiny, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and creates a delightful texture.
- Fresh spinach: Tossed in at the end for a burst of color, nutrition, and a fresh leafy bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten all the flavors.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The perfect finishing touch that melts into the warm soup with a nutty, salty note.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. This step is where the foundation of flavor is built as the sausage releases its delicious oils and spices. Once cooked, drain any excess fat for a cleaner broth.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics and veggies
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent. This gentle sauté helps develop the soup’s sweet and savory layers and preps the veggies to meld beautifully with the broth.
Step 3: Add tomatoes and herbs
Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Give it all a good stir to combine. These ingredients create the aromatic heart of the broth, infusing it with classic Italian flair and just the right amount of heat if you choose to include the flakes.
Step 4: Bring broth to a boil and cook orzo
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook it uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick and cooks evenly until tender but still has a slight bite—a perfect al dente texture that stands up well in the soup.
Step 5: Stir in spinach and season
After the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts gently into the hot soup. This adds a light freshness and bright green color, balancing the richness of the sausage. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste to bring the flavors into harmony.
Step 6: Serve with Parmesan
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts perfectly, adding a savory, umami-rich finish that makes the soup simply irresistible.
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a pleasing touch of heat. These garnishes elevate the look and flavor, making every bowl feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s warmth and richness, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in rustic bread bowls or colorful soup mugs for an inviting presentation. You can also portion it into mason jars for a charming and portable lunch option that makes the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe feel like an event, no matter where you enjoy it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This soup freezes well in portions. Just cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best to freeze before adding the fresh spinach and Parmesan; these can be added fresh upon reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh spinach during reheating to keep its vibrant color and texture. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving to revive that comforting creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that still offers plenty of flavor. Just make sure it’s well seasoned, as turkey can be milder than pork sausage.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be comforting and full of flavor.
Can I use dried spinach if I don’t have fresh?
Fresh spinach is preferred for its texture and color, but you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it well before adding near the end of cooking to avoid extra moisture.
How do I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?
Stir the soup occasionally while cooking the orzo and cook it just until al dente. Orzo continues to absorb liquid even off heat, so it’s best to serve the soup right after cooking or store leftovers separately from the pasta if possible.
Can I prepare any parts of this soup in advance?
You can brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. Then, when ready, combine with broth and cook the orzo fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe is exactly the kind of comforting, flavor-packed dish you’ll want in your regular rotation. It’s easy to make, filled with vibrant colors and textures, and offers that cozy feeling that makes soup the perfect meal any time of year. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share it with your loved ones – it’s truly a recipe that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Print
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it combines simple ingredients with aromatic herbs and fresh spinach to create a comforting and satisfying soup in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté the vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, creating a flavor base for the soup.
- Add tomatoes and herbs: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, then add dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together to incorporate the flavors.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, preparing the soup base for the orzo.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the boiling soup. Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender but not mushy.
- Add spinach and season: Stir in the fresh chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt from the residual heat. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage or increase the red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or cook the soup a bit longer with the lid off.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo pasta or substitute with rice or quinoa.
