Description
π This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup offers a rich, hearty flavor that makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
π² Easy to prepare with fresh ingredients, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner with creamy texture and greens.
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
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
π Cook orzo separately if making leftovers or freezing to prevent mushy texture.
π₯ Avoid using lower-fat cream substitutes to prevent curdling.
πΏ Substitute kale for spinach if preferred; add earlier to soften.
πΆ Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes for heat.
π₯ Pairs well with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or fresh salads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: SautΓ©ing, 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