If you’re craving a soup recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with comforting Italian sausage, tender orzo, vibrant veggies, and fresh spinach, this soup combines hearty flavors and cozy textures in a bowl that’s truly unforgettable. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to cozy up with a big ladle and savor every delicious spoonful, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, bringing simple but essential flavors together for a soup that’s balanced and deeply satisfying. From the savory Italian sausage adding richness to the orzo pasta providing tender bite, every component contributes color, texture, and taste that you’ll love.
- Olive oil: A drizzle to start with a silky cooking base that enhances all the flavors.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Adds bold, meaty, and slightly spicy notes that make the soup hearty.
- Onion, diced: Builds a sweet and aromatic foundation when sautéed gently.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses warm, pungent depth that’s essential in Italian dishes.
- Large carrot, diced: Brings natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Celery, diced: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh herbal flavor.
- Can of diced tomatoes (undrained): Provides juiciness, acidity, and vibrant red color that brightens the soup.
- Dried oregano: Delivers an earthy, classic Mediterranean herb note.
- Dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick, perfect for those who like a little heat.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that ties all flavors together superbly.
- Orzo pasta: Tiny, rice-shaped pasta that cooks up tender and soaks up the broth deliciously.
- Fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Gives the soup a fresh, leafy green brightness and a nutrition boost.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the overall flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The perfect garnish for a salty, cheesy finish.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the Italian sausage and break it up into crumbles as it cooks, letting it brown nicely. This step is crucial because well-browned sausage brings incredible depth and a rich, savory foundation to your soup. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the final soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Throw in the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery into the pot. Sauté these together until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, about five minutes. This mix provides a natural sweetness and aromatic base that beautifully complements the spiced sausage and broth.
Step 3: Build the Flavor with Tomatoes and Herbs
Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and pour in your chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil to begin melding all the flavors into a lively, fragrant soup base.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Now add your orzo pasta directly into the boiling broth. Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. The orzo will absorb some of the broth, becoming tender while thickening the soup slightly. This little pasta brings a wonderful texture that’s both satisfying and fun to eat.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Season
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. This bright green touch adds both a healthful note and a fresh flavor lift. Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to bring everything perfectly into balance.
Step 6: Serve with Parmesan
Ladle your piping hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. This final touch melts right into the broth for a luscious, slightly tangy finish that makes the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh Parmesan is a classic, but you can also try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a herbaceous pop. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a crack of black pepper always make the soup feel a little extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve it alongside a crusty Italian bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop of the rich broth. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully, bringing brightness that contrasts the soup’s savory heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting look, ladle the soup into rustic stoneware bowls and serve on a wooden board with cheese slices and crackers. Or go for colorful bowls to really highlight the vibrant reds and greens present in the soup for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe has cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but keep in mind the spinach and orzo might soften a little after thawing. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months, and make sure to leave a little room in the container because the orzo will expand slightly once frozen and reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. You might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to refresh the soup’s texture and loosen it up, since pasta can absorb liquid during storage.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and will still provide great flavor. Just choose a seasoned variety or add some extra herbs and spices to boost the taste.
What can I substitute for orzo if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or even small shells work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes may cook faster or slower.
Is this soup spicy?
The basic Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe has mild heat, but the red pepper flakes are optional. You can definitely leave those out if you prefer a milder flavor or add more for a spicier kick.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms or chopped eggplant for depth and texture, ensuring you still get that hearty feel without the meat.
How do I keep the spinach from turning slimy?
Add the spinach right at the end and cook it just until wilted, no more than a minute or two. Overcooking spinach leads to a mushy texture, so quick is key for freshness and vibrant color.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe at home. It’s hearty yet fresh, flavorful but not complicated, and always hits the spot no matter the season. Give it a go and see how this delightful soup becomes one of your new favorites to share with those you love.
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Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup, featuring Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and spinach in a flavorful tomato-based broth, garnished with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main 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 (14.5 oz) can 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 the oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare the base for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook and stir until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes, which helps develop flavor and tenderize them.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes for spice. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil to combine flavors.
- Cook the orzo: Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but still al dente.
- Incorporate spinach and season: Stir in the fresh chopped spinach and cook just until wilted. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preferred heat level.
- Drain excess fat after cooking the sausage to keep the broth light and clean-tasting.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a pleasant kick to the soup.
- Orzo cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Fresh spinach adds vitamins and a vibrant color; feel free to substitute with kale if desired.
- Parmesan cheese garnish adds a savory depth and complements the tomato base.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
