If you are craving a cozy and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This soul-satisfying soup perfectly balances savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant veggies all simmered in a fragrant, herb-infused broth. Every spoonful bursts with comforting flavors and inviting textures, making it an instant favorite for any day of the week. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, this recipe will win hearts and keep everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this soup shine. Each item plays a crucial role—from the aromatic herbs that lift the broth to the spinach that adds a fresh pop of color and nutrients. You don’t need a long list, but quality and balance are everything here.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and brings a gentle richness to the base of the soup.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The star protein that gives bold, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Large carrot, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a touch of color.
- Celery ribs, diced: Offers a subtle crunch and classic mirepoix foundation.
- Can of diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings acidity and body to the broth.
- Dried oregano: Introduces an earthy, herbal note.
- Dried basil: Contributes a sweet and slightly minty fragrance.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat to balance the richness.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Orzo pasta: Tiny pasta pearls that cook quickly and soak up the broth beautifully.
- Fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds vibrant green freshness and nutrients.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Perfect finishing touch for a savory, cheesy boost.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot set to medium heat. Add your Italian sausage and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks. This step builds a deep, rich flavor base and releases the sausage’s natural fat, which helps coat the veggies beautifully later. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, stir in diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté these together for about five minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic. This blend forms the heart of your soup’s flavor profile, adding sweetness and complexity that complements the savory sausage.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes along with dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. These herbs bring wonderful layers of herbal and slightly spicy notes to the soup. Then add the chicken broth and bring everything to a rolling boil, which helps meld the flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. The orzo will absorb the delicious tomato-infused broth, expanding and becoming tender in just the right way.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Season
Finally, add the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt gently into the hot soup. This last step adds a beautiful burst of color and fresh texture. Season the entire pot with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as you go to make sure every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts slightly on top, adding a savory and creamy finish that makes this soup absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While Parmesan cheese is the classic and beloved option, feel free to jazz it up with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add extra flavor layers to your bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup stands delightfully on its own, but if you want to create an even heartier meal, pair it with a simple crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, robust soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, letting the bread soak up those luscious juices. Alternatively, add a dollop of ricotta or a swirl of pesto on top for added creaminess and flavor zest. These small details enchant guests and elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but because of the spinach and orzo, the texture may slightly change upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it’s too thick. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it may heat unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a leaner alternative that still works well. Just season it with Italian herbs and garlic to mimic sausage flavors since turkey is milder by nature.
Is this soup spicy?
The heat level depends on your choice of sausage and whether you include red pepper flakes. Use mild sausage and skip the flakes for a gentle flavor, or spice things up as you like!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can adapt the recipe by substituting sausage with hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives, and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. The orzo and veggies ensure it stays filling and delicious.
What can I substitute for orzo?
If orzo isn’t available, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous work nicely. Just adjust cooking times since different pastas absorb broth differently.
How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?
To avoid mushiness, cook the orzo just until al dente and add spinach only at the end. Also, enjoy leftovers within a few days since orzo tends to soak up liquid over time and soften further.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe is one of those magical dishes that tastes like you’ve spent hours crafting it, but it really comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or cozying up on a chilly evening. I cannot recommend it enough—once you try it, this soup will quickly become your go-to comfort food, guaranteed to warm your heart and fill your belly with joy.
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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-American
Description
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a touch of aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines the richness of browned sausage with the wholesome goodness of spinach and Parmesan garnish, all simmered together in a well-seasoned chicken broth.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Pantry and Dry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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 with a spoon or spatula. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pot with the sausage. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become softened and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. These herbs add depth and a subtle kick to the soup.
- Pour in Broth and Boil: Add 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. This will form the flavorful base of the soup.
- Cook Orzo Pasta: Once boiling, add the orzo pasta to the pot. Cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but still retains a slight bite.
- Wilt Spinach and Season: Stir in the fresh chopped spinach and allow it to wilt in the hot soup for a few minutes. Finally, season the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, use spicy Italian sausage and include the red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs for dried if preferred, using about three times the amount of fresh.
- If you want a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or add more orzo to absorb the liquid.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
