Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe with Rich Flavor and Easy Prep

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup is a go-to meal that brings comfort right to your table, especially on busy days. It’s packed with hearty flavors from the sausage and veggies, making it a satisfying dish for anyone from new cooks to seasoned pros. Let me share why this recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen.

One reason you’ll adore this soup is its ease of preparation. This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup comes together quickly with simple steps that don’t require fancy tools or hours in the kitchen, perfect for busy parents and working professionals. For instance, browning the sausage and tossing in fresh veggies takes just minutes before everything simmers to perfection. It’s a recipe that proves good food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Another highlight is its health benefits. Loaded with protein from the Italian sausage and nutritious ingredients like fresh baby spinach, this soup offers a balanced mix of carbs from orzo and vitamins from veggies. Each serving boasts about 541 calories, 18 grams of protein, and plenty of potassium and vitamin A, making it a smart choice for diet-conscious folks and those aiming for a nutritious meal. It’s not just tasty, but it helps you feel good too.

Plus, the versatility stands out in a big way. You can tweak this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup to fit different needs, like using vegan sausage or gluten-free orzo. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or meal prep, its rich blend of flavors adapts without losing that cozy appeal. This makes it ideal for students, seniors, or anyone exploring new tastes.

Essential Ingredients for Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup a hit. Below, you’ll find a complete list based on the recipe, with exact measurements to ensure success. I’ll walk you through them so you can shop easily and get cooking right away.

• 16 ounces of Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 sticks of celery, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 4 cloves of minced garlic
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes with juices
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 cup of heavy or whipping cream
• 1 cup of uncooked orzo
• 2 cups of fresh baby spinach (packed), optional for extra greens
• Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients create a creamy, flavorful base that’s hard to resist. For special tweaks, consider options like plant-based sausage or gluten-free orzo to make it your own. Remember, using fresh items like garlic and onion really boosts the taste.

How to Prepare the Perfect Italian Sausage Orzo Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup just right is simple and fun. Follow these steps to build layers of flavor, starting with the basics. I’ll include some tips along the way to make your cooking smoother. For similar sausage recipes, check out my sticky honey garlic sausage pasta that pairs well with this soup.

First, brown the 16 ounces of Italian sausage in a soup pot over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and crumbly. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside to keep its texture. This step locks in that savory flavor we all love.

Next, add the finely chopped 1/2 medium onion and 2 sticks of celery to the pot. Cook them until softened, about 5 minutes, to build a solid base. Then, stir in the 2 tablespoons of flour and 4 cloves of minced garlic, cooking for another minute to thicken things up and add aroma.

Now, slowly pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juices, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and the reserved sausage back into the pot. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Stir in the 1 cup of heavy or whipping cream and 1 cup of uncooked orzo next. Let the soup simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender. Finally, add the 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and cook until it wilts, which takes just a minute or two.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve. The whole process takes about 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, totaling 40 minutes. For a twist, try my creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta as a side for more pasta ideas.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Making this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup work for your needs is easy with a few swaps. Whether you’re watching your diet or have preferences, these changes keep the soup delicious. Here’s how to adapt it while maintaining that rich flavor.

For protein options, replace the Italian sausage with ground beef and add extra seasoning like oregano for a similar taste. If you’re going vegan, use plant-based crumbles instead. For leaner choices, opt for turkey sausage to cut down on fat without losing the hearty feel.

When it comes to veggies and other parts, swap the spinach for kale and add it earlier to soften. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a vegan version. These tweaks, like using gluten-free orzo, make the soup flexible for everyone from busy parents to health enthusiasts.

Mastering Italian Sausage Orzo Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your Italian Sausage Orzo Soup to the next level is all about little tricks. From cooking techniques to fun variations, these ideas will make your soup stand out. Let’s dive into how to perfect it for everyday meals or special gatherings.

Start with pro cooking tips like browning the sausage deeply for more flavor. After that, deglaze the pot with a bit of broth to pull up those tasty bits. Remember, cooking the orzo separately is great for leftovers or freezing to keep its texture just right.

• Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Avoid lower-fat cream to prevent curdling and keep it creamy.
• Pair the soup with crusty bread or fresh salads for a complete meal.

For flavor variations, try herbs like basil or incorporate roasted red peppers. These changes can make the soup feel new each time. With these tips, you’ll handle everything from quick dinners to impressing guests.

This soup has been a family favorite, especially on cold nights. It’s amazing how simple ingredients create something so comforting!

How to Store Italian Sausage Orzo Soup: Best Practices

Storing your Italian Sausage Orzo Soup properly keeps it fresh and tasty. Whether you’re prepping ahead or saving leftovers, follow these steps to maintain quality. It’s a handy skill for busy lifestyles.

For refrigeration, cool the soup completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This works well for meal prep, letting you grab a quick, nutritious meal anytime. Freezing is another option; portion it out and freeze for up to 2-3 months to avoid waste.

When reheating, do it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth if it thickens. Keep in mind, cooking orzo fresh when reheating helps preserve its shape. These methods make the soup a reliable choice for working pros and families.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten-Free option if using gluten-free orzo

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Description

🌭 This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup offers a rich, hearty flavor that makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
🍲 Easy to prepare with fresh ingredients, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner with creamy texture and greens.

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Ingredients

– 16 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

– 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 sticks celery, finely chopped

– 2 tablespoons flour

– 4 cloves minced garlic

– 4 cups chicken broth

– 28-ounce can diced tomatoes with juices

– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 cup heavy or whipping cream

– 1 cup uncooked orzo

– 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed) optional for extra greens

– Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1-First, brown the 16 ounces of Italian sausage in a soup pot over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and crumbly. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside to keep its texture. This step locks in that savory flavor we all love.

2-Next, add the finely chopped 1/2 medium onion and 2 sticks of celery to the pot. Cook them until softened, about 5 minutes, to build a solid base. Then, stir in the 2 tablespoons of flour and 4 cloves of minced garlic, cooking for another minute to thicken things up and add aroma.

3-Now, slowly pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juices, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and the reserved sausage back into the pot. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.

4-Stir in the 1 cup of heavy or whipping cream and 1 cup of uncooked orzo next. Let the soup simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender. Finally, add the 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and cook until it wilts, which takes just a minute or two.

5-Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve. The whole process takes about 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, totaling 40 minutes.

Notes

🍝 Cook orzo separately if making leftovers or freezing to prevent mushy texture.
🥛 Avoid using lower-fat cream substitutes to prevent curdling.
🌿 Substitute kale for spinach if preferred; add earlier to soften.
🌶 Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes for heat.
🥖 Pairs well with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or fresh salads.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 541
• Sugar: 6 grams
• Sodium: 1355 milligrams
• Fat: 39 grams
• Saturated Fat: 18 grams
• Carbohydrates: 31 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 18 grams
• Cholesterol: 105 milligrams

Keywords: Italian sausage soup, orzo soup recipe, creamy Italian soup, easy sausage soup