When the chill sets in, and you’re looking for a meal that brings both comfort and bold flavors, Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is the ultimate choice. This Italian-inspired soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, vibrant spinach, and aromatic herbs, making it as irresistible as its name suggests. A single taste might just have you ready to say, “I do” – to another bowl!
Ingredients:
To prepare this delicious, warming bowl of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup, you’ll need:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 large carrot, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
1 teaspoon dried basil
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:
Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup balanced and flavorful.
Add Vegetables:
Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and aromatic.
Build the Soup Base:
Add the undrained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Orzo:
Add the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot. The orzo will become tender, adding a satisfying texture to the soup.
Finish with Spinach and Seasoning:
Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of Italian flair. Enjoy warm and watch it disappear!
Serving Tips:
Add Fresh Parmesan: Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. A little sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a lovely touch as well.
Serve with Crusty Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping, especially to soak up the delicious broth.
Pair with a Simple Salad: For a balanced meal, serve alongside a light Italian salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette.
Family-Style Option: Pour the soup into a large serving bowl and garnish with Parmesan and herbs. Place it at the center of the table for a warm, family-style meal.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld over time, making it even tastier on the second day.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze, it’s best to cook the soup without the orzo, as it can become too soft when reheated. Simply add freshly cooked orzo when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, as the orzo may absorb more liquid in storage. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Avoid Overcooking When Reheating: To keep the orzo from becoming mushy, avoid boiling the soup when reheating.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. If making ahead, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it just before serving to keep it from absorbing too much broth.
Can I substitute the orzo with another pasta?
Absolutely. Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even couscous work well as a substitute for orzo. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes may require a slight adjustment in cooking time.
Is this soup spicy?
The spice level can be easily adjusted. For a milder version, use sweet Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, go for spicy sausage and keep the pepper flakes.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a flavorful vegetarian base.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinners, Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is the perfect recipe. It’s easy, flavorful, and has that irresistible Italian charm that keeps everyone coming back for more.
📖 Recipe:
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Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with this Italian-inspired Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup, featuring savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and rich, aromatic herbs. This hearty soup is packed with flavor and ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Delicious, comforting, and irresistibly easy!
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
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and allow to wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with Parmesan cheese, and serve hot.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, cook orzo separately if freezing.
Customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes and choosing mild or spicy sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
