Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping soup that’s as comforting as it is flavor-packed, look no further than Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup. This soul-warming dish is bursting with juicy Italian sausage, tender orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan, all swirled together in a velvety broth. It’s the kind of recipe you make for someone you love (or want to impress!)—a one-pot wonder with crowd-pleasing appeal that never fails to spark recipe requests the moment it hits the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is its thoughtfully chosen ingredient list. Each component adds its own unique touch—whether it’s depth, creaminess, or a pop of color—so you get a bowlful of irresistible flavor every time.
- Olive oil: The aromatic starting point for building layers of flavor as you brown the sausage and sauté aromatics.
- Italian sausage: Choose mild for subtle heat or spicy for a bolder kick; sausage forms the hearty, savory base of your soup.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion turns sweet and velvety as it softens, infusing the broth with gentle flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Essential for a punchy aromatic note that brings the dish to life.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs to tie the flavors together and infuse every spoonful with cozy warmth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add just a pinch for subtle heat, or leave them out for a milder soup.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the broth’s color and brings rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Their tangy, chewy bite lifts the soup with bursts of umami and a rustic vibe.
- Chicken broth: A savory, golden base that carries all the other ingredients beautifully.
- Orzo pasta: These tiny rice-shaped pasta pieces cook up silky-tender and make the soup satisfyingly hearty.
- Heavy cream: For luscious, velvety richness throughout the broth—feel free to swap for half-and-half if you’d like it lighter.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts into the soup for a vibrant pop of green and a healthy boost of freshness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth, adding nutty, cheesy depth you just can’t fake.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste to bring all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
- Fresh basil (optional): Sprinkle on top for a pretty, fragrant finish that wakes up every bowl.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let the sausage brown and develop those golden, flavorful bits—this takes about 6–7 minutes. When the sausage is fully cooked and crumbly, you can remove any excess grease from the pot for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion and give it a good stir. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, just until the onions look soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of spice, tomato paste, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2–3 minutes, letting the aroma fill your kitchen and the flavors start to meld.
Step 3: Build the Broth and Cook Orzo
It’s time for the soup magic! Pour in all the chicken broth and turn up the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, stir in the orzo. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta turns tender, plump, and inviting.
Step 4: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream followed by the chopped spinach. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and the soup is creamy and cohesive. Last but never least, add the grated Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and give it a final loving stir.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Give the soup a taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle it into bowls, finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil if you like, and serve hot. Now sit back and watch the happy faces around your table—there’s just something about Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup that gets everyone grinning!
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped basil or extra Parmesan on top makes every bowl of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup pop with color and flavor. Cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the bowl and make it look as cozy and inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal by itself, but it absolutely loves company. Serve it with a hunk of crusty bread for dunking or a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to add crisp contrast. Garlic bread, a batch of herbed breadsticks, or even roasted veggies are great supporting actors for this main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to show off Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup at a gathering? Ladle it into smaller cups or mugs for a cozy, appetizer-style serving at parties. Or present it family-style in a big Dutch oven at the center of the table, letting everyone scoop their own portion. For extra flair, sprinkle each bowl with parmesan shards and a basil sprig.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup, let it cool, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The orzo will continue to absorb the broth, making the soup thicker over time, but a quick splash of extra chicken broth or water will bring it back to its original consistency before reheating.
Freezing
Freezing works beautifully: portion cooled Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight. While the orzo may soften slightly, the soup’s flavors are just as tempting after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it looks too thick, add more broth or water until you reach the desired texture. For single portions, microwaving in bursts works, but always stir well and watch so the creamy broth stays silky.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Swap in turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version, or try a vegan Italian sausage if you want to keep things plant-based. Just make sure to use a variety packed with flavor, since the sausage is so important in Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup.
Can I substitute the orzo with another pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rice will work if you don’t have orzo on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary, and adjust the liquid if your pasta soaks up more than expected.
Is there a dairy-free option for this soup?
You can absolutely skip the dairy! Use coconut cream or your favorite unsweetened, plain plant-based cream in place of heavy cream, and opt for nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative instead of regular Parmesan. The soup will still be creamy and delicious.
How can I make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup gluten-free?
Simple—look for gluten-free orzo or substitute with cooked rice or your go-to small gluten-free pasta. Double check that your sausage and broth are both gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a safe, hearty soup everyone can enjoy.
Will the soup thicken as it sits?
Yes, Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup will thicken up as the orzo continues to soak up liquid. When reheating leftovers, don’t hesitate to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out while keeping all that lovely flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting, cozy meal that’s guaranteed to impress, Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is your ticket. With its creamy broth, savory sausage, and satisfying orzo, it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again—so grab a pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make some dinnertime magic!
Print
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. With Italian sausage, orzo pasta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a creamy broth, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For garnish:
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Cook sausage: Add sausage, cook until browned and crumbled, about 6–7 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Add onion and garlic: Add diced onion, cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add broth and orzo: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil. Stir in orzo, reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in cream and spinach: Lower heat, stir in cream and spinach. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Finish soup: Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with basil if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This soup thickens as it sits, add a splash of broth or water to leftovers when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
