Name: Savory Italian Sausage Orzo Soup: A Comforting Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces Italian sausage; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 2 sticks celery, chopped; 2 tablespoons flour; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup uncooked orzo; 1 cup heavy or whipping cream; 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Is there anything better than a big bowl of comforting soup on a chilly evening? I don’t think so! And let me tell you, this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup recipe is about to become your new favorite. The savory Italian sausage, the tiny little orzo pasta… it’s just *chef’s kiss*! The flavors all meld together in this amazing way that’s both hearty and satisfying.

I remember the first time I made this. It was a particularly blustery October, and I was craving something warm and filling. I’d been experimenting with different orzo recipes, and BAM! This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup was born! Trust me, one spoonful and you’ll be hooked. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Okay, so why should you try *this* Italian Sausage Orzo Soup recipe? Let me tell you, it’s not just “another soup.” It’s got a few things going for it that make it extra special:

It’s ready in under an hour – perfect for busy weeknights!
The Italian flavors are seriously amazing.
It’s so filling, you won’t need anything else!

Quick and Easy Comfort Food

Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 40 minutes. Most of that is just simmering time! You can totally whip this up after work. I promise, it’s faster than ordering takeout!

Bursting with Italian Flavors

The Italian sausage is the star here. The oregano, the garlic… Mmm! It smells incredible while it’s cooking, and the taste? Even better! It’s like a little trip to Italy in your own kitchen.

A Hearty and Satisfying Meal

This isn’t some wimpy broth. This soup is *packed* with sausage, orzo, and veggies. It’ll keep you full and happy for hours. It’s the perfect meal on a cold day, or really, any day you need a little extra comfort.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup uses pretty simple stuff, but the quality makes a HUGE difference. You’ll want to grab:

16 ounces Italian sausage: I usually go for mild, but if you like a kick, spicy Italian sausage is AMAZING. Just remove it from casings.
1/2 medium onion: Chopped, please! About a cup’s worth. Yellow or white onions work great.
2 sticks celery: Also chopped! Celery adds such a nice depth of flavor.
2 tablespoons flour: All-purpose is perfect. This helps thicken the soup just a bit.
4 cloves garlic: Minced. And don’t skimp! Garlic is life.
4 cups chicken broth: Low-sodium is always a good idea, so you can control the saltiness.
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices: Don’t drain them! Those juices are packed with flavor.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that classic Italian touch.
1 cup uncooked orzo: This little pasta is the perfect size for soup!
1 cup heavy or whipping cream: This is where the magic happens! Don’t try to substitute with milk; it won’t be the same.
2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach (optional): I love adding spinach for extra nutrients and color, but it’s totally up to you.
Salt and pepper to taste: Because every good soup needs a little seasoning!

How to Make Italian Sausage Orzo Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here we go! Let’s get this amazing Italian Sausage Orzo Soup going. Don’t worry, it’s super easy, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of deliciousness in no time.

Sauté the Sausage

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup - detail 1

First, grab your biggest soup pot and toss in that Italian sausage. Crumble it up as you go. Cook it over medium-high heat, stirring now and then, until it’s nice and browned. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, scoop the sausage out and put it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. We don’t want a super greasy soup, ya know? Leave about a tablespoon of the sausage fat in the pot – that’s where the flavor’s at!

Build Your Flavor Base

Now, add the chopped onion and celery to the pot with that leftover sausage fat. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften. Your kitchen should already be smelling amazing!

Create the Soup

Next, add the flour and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for just a minute, stirring constantly. Careful not to burn the garlic! Now, slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring like crazy to make sure that flour dissolves completely. We don’t want any lumps!

Add Orzo and Simmer

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup - detail 2

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with the juices!), oregano, and the cooked sausage back into the pot. Crank up the heat and bring the soup to a *gentle* boil. Once it’s simmering nicely, add the orzo and the cream. Reduce the heat so it’s not bubbling too hard and simmer for about 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Don’t forget to stir it fairly often so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom!

Finish with Cream and Spinach

Almost there! Stir in the spinach (if you’re using it) and let it wilt for a minute or two. Now, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! And that’s it! You’ve made Italian Sausage Orzo Soup!

Tips for the Best Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Want to take your Italian Sausage Orzo Soup from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!”? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that’ll help you nail it every single time. These little tips make a HUGE difference, trust me!

Choosing the Right Sausage

Okay, sausage matters! Mild Italian sausage is my go-to because it lets the other flavors shine. But if you’re feeling spicy, go for it! Just remember, spicy sausage will add a kick, so adjust the pepper accordingly. I usually remove the sausage from its casing.

Don’t overcook the Orzo

Nobody likes mushy orzo! Keep an eye on it while it’s simmering. You want it to be tender but still have a little bite. Start checking it around 10 minutes, and don’t be afraid to pull it off the heat when it’s *just* right.

Seasoning is Key

Seriously, taste, taste, TASTE! Every batch of soup is different, so don’t be shy about adding salt and pepper until it tastes perfect to *you*. A little pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice touch of warmth!

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve got the basic Italian Sausage Orzo Soup down. Now, let’s get a little crazy! This recipe is super easy to customize to your own taste. Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spicy Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Want to kick things up a notch? Just add a pinch (or a bigger pinch, if you’re brave!) of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. You can also use spicy Italian sausage, of course!

Vegetarian Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

No sausage? No problem! Use your favorite plant-based sausage instead. There are some seriously delicious options out there these days. Just make sure to brown it up nicely before adding it to the soup, just like you would with regular sausage.

Adding More Vegetables to Your Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

The more veggies, the merrier, right? Feel free to toss in some chopped carrots, zucchini, or even bell peppers along with the onion and celery. Just sauté them until they’re tender before moving on to the next step. I love adding a handful of chopped kale or Swiss chard at the very end, too! So good!

Serving Suggestions for Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup is pretty amazing on its own, but you know what makes it even better? A little something on the side! Here are a couple of my faves:

Crusty Bread

Oh man, you HAVE to have some crusty bread with this soup! It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth. I love a good sourdough or Italian loaf.

Simple Salad

If you want something a little lighter, a simple side salad is perfect. Just some mixed greens, a little vinaigrette, and maybe some tomatoes and cucumbers. It’s a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.

Storing and Reheating Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup is even better the next day. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. But here’s a little tip: the orzo tends to soak up the liquid as it sits. So, when you reheat it, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Trust me, it’ll still be delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Got questions about making the best Italian Sausage Orzo Soup ever? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:

Can I freeze Italian Sausage Orzo Soup?

You *can* freeze it, but be warned, the texture might change a bit. The orzo can get a little mushy when it thaws. To minimize this, try cooking the orzo separately and adding it to the soup after you reheat it. Still tasty, just not *quite* as perfect as fresh!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Totally! Orzo is my favorite for this soup, but you could also use ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti. Just keep in mind that different pastas have different cooking times, so you’ll need to adjust the simmering time accordingly. Keep an eye on it!

How can I make this soup spicier?

Oh, you want some heat? I got you! The easiest way is to use spicy Italian sausage. You can also add a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes while the soup is simmering. Or, for a deeper flavor, try adding a chopped jalapeño to the pot along with the onion and celery. Careful, though – those little peppers can pack a punch!

Nutritional Information for Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Okay, let’s talk nutrition! Now, I’m no dietitian, but I know some of you are curious about the calories and stuff. So, here’s the deal: the nutritional information for this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup can vary *a lot* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. I mean, different sausages have different fat contents, ya know?

So, I can’t give you a super-precise breakdown. But just keep in mind that this is a hearty soup with sausage and cream, so it’s not exactly a “light” meal. If you’re watching your calories, you can always use a leaner sausage or skip the cream. But hey, sometimes you just gotta treat yourself, right?

Enjoy Your Homemade Italian Sausage Orzo Soup!

Alright, that’s it! I hope you give this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup a try. Seriously, it’s SO good! And hey, if you make it, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! Or even better, give it a rating! Happy cooking!