If you’re craving a soul-warming bowl that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a delightful medley of savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant herbs, all simmered together into a rich, comforting broth. Perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress without the fuss, this soup brings hearty flavors and satisfying textures that somehow marry together perfectly, making every spoonful utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, flavor-packed ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make the soup shine. Let’s break down what you need and why these simple staples work so well together.
- Olive oil: A small amount to start, adding richness and helping to sauté the sausage and veggies beautifully.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): This is your main protein and flavor anchor, providing a robust, savory punch.
- Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened alongside garlic.
- Garlic, minced: Essential for aromatic warmth and that classic Italian flavor base.
- Carrot, diced: A pop of subtle sweetness and vibrant color that enhances texture.
- Celery, diced: Offers a refreshing crunch and grounds the soup with an earthy note.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained: These lend a bright acidity and juicy texture to the broth.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that fill the broth with an inviting, herbal aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick for those who love a tiny spicy nudge.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties all ingredients together into a savory broth.
- Orzo pasta: Small, tender, and perfect for soaking up all the lovely flavors.
- Fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds freshness and a healthy green pop, wilting perfectly into the hot soup.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to balance and enhance all other flavors.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that brings salty, nutty richness to every bowl.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. This step infuses your soup with that irresistible meaty flavor. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat to keep the broth light and focused on flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Sauté these together until the veggies soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes. This creates a rich flavor base and wonderfully tender texture that enriches the soup’s character.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes for just the right hint of spice. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. This step melds the ingredients, creating a savory, herbaceous broth that promises deliciousness in every spoonful.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo will soften, absorbing the broth’s flavors and thickening the soup slightly, giving it a warm, comforting feel.
Step 5: Add the Spinach and Season
Finally, stir in the chopped spinach until wilted, which only takes a minute or two. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The spinach adds a freshness that brightens the entire dish, balancing the rich sausage and broth perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it hot and savor the cozy, layered flavors that make this recipe truly special.
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate each bowl. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds zest, while a bit of lemon zest can brighten the palate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread, a simple mixed green salad, or even some warm focaccia. The bread soaks up the broth perfectly and makes for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or add a poached egg on top for an extra indulgent treat. You can also stir in a handful of cooked beans for heartier texture or swap orzo with small shells for a slightly different bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen as it rests, making reheated servings just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to save some for later. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace for expansion. For best texture after thawing, consider adding fresh spinach just before serving rather than freezing it cooked in the soup.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. Be mindful when reheating with Parmesan garnish; fresh cheese can be added after warming for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option that still offers great flavor. Just be sure to brown it well to develop those rich, savory notes.
Is it okay to use dried spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is ideal for its vibrant color and texture, but if you only have dried, you can substitute it by rehydrating first. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but it will still add that green vegetable goodness.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles or hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth. You’ll lose some meatiness but still keep fantastic flavor.
Why is my orzo mushy after cooking?
Orzo cooks quickly, so it’s important to watch the time carefully. Overcooking turns it mushy. Stirring occasionally helps keep it separate, and checking a minute or two early is a good practice.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker except the spinach (add it in the last 15 minutes). Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 until orzo is tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soup that’s comforting, flavorful, and downright addictive, this Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe is truly a showstopper. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm embrace and leaves you happily full every time. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your home kitchen.
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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
Description
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired soup combining savory sausage, tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup merges rich tomato broth with vibrant spinach and is finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added depth and creaminess.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Pantry Items
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage.
- Cook the sausage: Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to keep the soup light.
- Sauté vegetables: Stir in 1 diced small onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced large carrot, and 2 diced celery ribs. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and herbs: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes with their juices, then mix in 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
- Add broth and bring to boil: Pour 4 cups of chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil to start integrating all flavors.
- Cook orzo: Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the boiling soup and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender but not mushy.
- Add spinach and season: Stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- If you want a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with a similar gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
- The red pepper flakes are optional; adjust or omit based on your tolerance for heat.
