I have to admit, this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup is one of the best comfort meals I’ve made recently. It was love at first spoonful when I tried it! The creamy tomato broth mixed with the savory flavors of Italian sausage and the delicate texture of orzo made every bite absolutely satisfying.
It’s hearty, cozy, and surprisingly simple to prepare—even on a busy day. Plus, the fresh spinach adds a delightful pop of color and nutrients, taking the whole dish to another level. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this soup again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This soup has so much to offer. Here are a few reasons why it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Quick and Easy to Prepare
With just a bit of chopping, sautéing, and simmering, this soup comes together in around 40 minutes. No fancy kitchen skills or complicated steps are needed, making it perfect for weeknights.
Exquisite Layers of Flavor
The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, oregano, and creamy tomato broth creates a flavor explosion in every bowl. It’s savory, slightly tangy, and full of bold, comforting tastes.
Customizable for Any Palate
You can tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. Use spicy sausage for heat, add extra veggies for a more wholesome touch, or experiment with different herbs for a unique twist.
One-Pot Wonder
Fewer dishes mean more time to relax! This is a true one-pot meal where even the orzo cooks right in the soup, saving you time and effort.
Family-Friendly Favorite
Picky eaters? No problem. This soup’s rich flavor and creamy texture make it a hit with everyone, including kids. It’s filling, satisfying, and sure to please all ages.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick breakdown of the time you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this recipe:
- Italian sausage
- Onion
- Celery
- Flour
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Dried oregano
- Uncooked orzo
- Heavy cream
- Fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper
Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some substitutions and add-on ideas to switch things up!
- Spicy Kick: Swap mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based cream alternative like coconut milk (note that this will slightly alter the flavor).
- Greens Swap: Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard. Just cook the kale a bit longer to soften it up.
- Protein Substitute: Not a fan of sausage? Ground turkey, chicken, or beef work just as well with this recipe.
- Add Veggies: Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for extra texture and nutrients.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Soup Pot: For cooking the entire recipe in one pot.
- Ladle: Makes serving the soup much easier and less messy.
- Chopping Board and Knife: For prepping your veggies and sausage.
- Mixing Spoon: Essential for stirring all the ingredients together.
How to Make Italian Sausage Orzo Soup?
Making this soup is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a satisfying, creamy bowl of goodness 🍲.
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your soup pot. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Once cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Leave a bit of the sausage fat for flavor. 🥘
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add finely chopped onion and celery to the pot. Sauté them until softened, then stir in minced garlic and a bit of flour. This step helps build the soup’s flavor base. Don’t skip it! 🌿
Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to dissolve the flour completely. Toss in the diced tomatoes and dried oregano, then return the sausage to the pot. Simmer everything until it starts bubbling gently. 🍅
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Reduce the heat and stir in the uncooked orzo and the heavy cream. Keep stirring occasionally as the soup simmers for another 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. 🎉
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
Finally, stir in the fresh baby spinach. It only takes a few minutes to wilt, so add it at the very end. Adjust the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve hot! 🥣
Tips for Making the Recipe
Make your soup even better with these handy tips!
- Don’t Skimp on the Cream – The heavy cream makes the broth rich and velvety. Avoid low-fat substitutes as they can curdle.
- Cook the Orzo Separately for Leftovers – If you’re not eating it all immediately, cook the orzo on the side. Add it in when reheating to prevent the pasta from soaking up the broth.
- Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – They’ll give the soup a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Season Gradually – Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and oregano for the perfect balance.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Orzo Soup?
This hearty soup deserves an equally satisfying side. Serve it with warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls for dipping into the creamy broth. Or pair it with a crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast. Garnish the soup with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil to make it look restaurant-ready.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of the soup’s nutritional profile per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 541
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fat: 39 g
Make Ahead and Storage
This soup is perfect for batch cooking!
To store leftovers, keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The orzo will soak up the broth as it sits, so you may want to add extra chicken broth or cream to thin it out when reheating.
If you plan to freeze this soup, don’t add the cream, spinach, or orzo before freezing. Add those components fresh when reheating after thawing. The soup will keep in the freezer for up to two months.
Italian Sausage Orzo Soup is the kind of meal that warms both your heart and your belly. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner, meal prep it for lunches, or save a batch in the freezer for a rainy day, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at your table. Enjoy every spoonful!