Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

The beauty of this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup lies in its simplicity and the way all the flavors come together so effortlessly. The richness of the sausage, with its perfectly seasoned mix of fennel and garlic, melds with the savory broth in a way that makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug. The orzo, tiny and tender, soaks up the broth, giving each bite a satisfying heartiness without feeling too heavy. And let’s not forget the fresh spinach that wilts right into the soup, adding a burst of color and a slight earthy note that perfectly balances the richness of the sausage.

I love how this soup transforms with every batch you make. The longer it sits, the more the flavors have a chance to develop and deepen, which means leftovers are always a treat. I’ve even found that it’s one of those dishes that gets better the next day, as the orzo continues to absorb all those savory, comforting flavors. If you’re like me, you might even find yourself stealing a spoonful before it has a chance to cool down—there’s something so irresistible about how the scent of garlic and sausage fills the air while it’s simmering away. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, filling your kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes you want to sit down and share a bowl.

Key Ingredients in Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

The beauty of a dish like this lies not just in the process, but in the ingredients that come together to create a comforting bowl of goodness. Each ingredient plays a role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this soup so delicious. From the savory sausage to the creamy finish, these are the key players in our Italian Sausage Orzo Soup.

• Italian sausage: The heart of this soup, bringing rich, flavorful meat with a perfect balance of herbs like fennel, garlic, and spices. It infuses the broth with its savory goodness, making each spoonful irresistible.
• Onion: A staple in many savory dishes, onion adds depth and sweetness to the base of the soup. It softens as it cooks, contributing a subtle aromatic richness.
• Garlic: Minced and aromatic, garlic adds that signature, savory punch that works so well with the sausage and broth, making the flavors come alive.
• Dried oregano: This herb brings a fragrant, slightly peppery kick to the soup, enhancing the Italian flavors and tying the sausage and tomatoes together.
• Dried basil: The earthy, slightly sweet notes of basil lend a Mediterranean touch, creating a warm and comforting flavor profile in the broth.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a mild heat that makes the soup feel bold and exciting without overpowering the other flavors.
• Chicken broth: The rich, savory base that carries all the flavors, giving the soup its hearty texture and comforting warmth.
• Orzo pasta: This tiny pasta acts as the perfect filler, soaking up the savory broth and adding a delightful bite to every spoonful.
• Diced tomatoes: With a burst of acidity and sweetness, diced tomatoes provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the sausage and broth, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and a delicate earthiness that complements the richness of the sausage while bringing a touch of freshness to the dish.
• Heavy cream: This silky ingredient smooths out the broth, creating a creamy finish that rounds out the flavors and adds a luxurious texture.
• Salt: A pinch here and there brings all the flavors into harmony, enhancing the natural tastes of the sausage, broth, and vegetables.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth, amplifying the flavors without taking center stage.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion, garlic, and sausage, olive oil imparts a rich, slightly fruity flavor that helps build the soup’s base.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch! A sprinkle of Parmesan gives a sharp, nutty finish that enhances the soup’s flavors and adds a touch of indulgence.

Each of these ingredients contributes to the comforting, soul-warming nature of the soup, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

How to Make Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Serving Suggestions for Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

1. Crusty Bread for Dipping: This soup is just begging to be paired with a thick slice of crusty, warm bread. Whether it’s a rustic baguette or a hearty sourdough, nothing beats dipping that golden, crispy goodness into the creamy broth. It’s the kind of moment that feels indulgent and cozy all at once.

2. A Side Salad with Lemon Dressing: To balance out the richness of the soup, serve it with a light, zesty side salad. A mix of peppery arugula, tangy lemon dressing, and maybe a few shavings of Parmesan will give a refreshing contrast that cuts through the creaminess. It’s like the perfect counterpoint to all that comfort.

3. A Glass of Red Wine: For a little extra indulgence, pair this soup with a glass of bold red wine. Something with a bit of body, like a Chianti or a Sangiovese, will complement the savory sausage and tomatoes beautifully. It’s a simple way to elevate the meal and turn it into a cozy Italian-inspired dinner experience.

Do you have a favorite way to enjoy this soup, or do you like to change it up each time? I’d love to hear how you serve it!

How to Store Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

When it comes to storing your Italian Sausage Orzo Soup, you’ll want to make sure it stays as delicious as the first time you served it. After all, the flavors only get better with time!

To store your soup, first let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation from making the soup too watery when reheated. Once cooled, it can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to stir it well when reheating, as the orzo will absorb more of the broth as it sits, making the soup a little thicker.

If you’re planning to keep it for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. But keep in mind that the orzo can become a bit softer when frozen and reheated. To freeze, ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready for another comforting bowl, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed to bring it back to the right consistency.

For the best flavor, I recommend enjoying the soup within a couple of months of freezing. While it’ll last longer, the freshness of the ingredients really shines within that time.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own bowl of cozy, comforting Italian Sausage Orzo Soup, ready to be enjoyed by you and your loved ones. This recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl. From the rich flavors of the sausage to the creamy broth and tender orzo, each bite is a little moment of comfort, and the best part is, it’s so simple to make! Whether you’re serving it with some crusty bread, a zesty side salad, or just a big spoon, it’s bound to make your day just a bit better.

I really hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with it as much as I have. Let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear about any tweaks you made or how you enjoyed it. Have any questions along the way or need some help with the recipe? Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always here to chat about food and share tips. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your soup-filled adventures!

Print Recipe

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 55 mins

Calories: 450

Description

This hearty Italian Sausage Orzo Soup is a comforting blend of savory sausage, tender orzo, and vibrant veggies, simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. It's a soul-warming bowl of goodness that’ll have you craving more with each spoonful!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound Italian sausage

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup spinach, chopped

• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked.
4. Remove any excess grease from the pot by carefully tilting it and using a spoon to scoop it out.
5. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
6. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
7. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
8. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
9. Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
10. Once the broth is boiling, add the orzo pasta and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
11. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
12. Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir it in until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
13. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to incorporate it into the soup, making it creamy.
14. Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
15. Continue to simmer the soup for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
16. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
17. Serve the soup hot, enjoying it with a side of crusty bread if desired.

Note

• If you prefer a spicier soup, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• For a healthier version, you can use lean turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
• If you don't have orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or farfalle work well in place of the orzo.
• To add extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions and garlic, letting it reduce before adding the broth.
• For a richer taste, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Keywords: Italian sausage soup recipe, orzo soup with sausage, easy Italian sausage soup, homemade orzo soup, Italian sausage and orzo recipe