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Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup

Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
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Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal combining savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices. Ready in under 45 minutes, this versatile soup warms you from the inside out with hearty textures and balanced seasoning, perfect for cozy dinners or sharing with family.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound high-quality Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (or gluten-free alternative such as rice or quinoa pasta)
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach or kale
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Garnishes and Additional Ingredients

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
  • Optional: extra red pepper flakes or dash of cayenne pepper for spiciness
  • Optional vegetables: zucchini, bell peppers, carrots (to taste)
  • Optional cheese additions: shredded mozzarella or ricotta for creamy texture

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned and cooked through, then remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot with the sausage drippings, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, creating a flavorful base.
  3. Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift the browned bits, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for enhanced flavor.
  4. Simmer with Orzo: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the orzo pasta and let the soup simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Add extra broth or water if you prefer a thinner soup.
  5. Incorporate Greens and Season: Stir in fresh baby spinach or kale just before finishing the soup and cook until wilted. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh aroma and flavor boost.

Notes

  • Use quality Italian sausage for the best savory flavor.
  • Add orzo pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Adjust broth quantity during simmering to achieve desired soup thickness.
  • Use fresh spinach or kale rather than frozen to retain vibrant color and texture.
  • Customize the spice level by varying the red pepper flakes or omitting them for mild flavor.
  • To freeze, undercook orzo slightly to preserve texture upon reheating.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop with added broth or water to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage soup, orzo soup, Italian sausage, comfort food, quick soup, gluten-free soup option, family-friendly soup

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/marry-me-sausage-orzo-soup/