If you’re craving a soul-warming bowl of comfort that feels like a hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant soup marries savory, creamy, and tangy flavors with the satisfying bite of orzo pasta and the hearty goodness of spiced sausage. It’s an effortless recipe that transforms simple pantry staples into something so flavorful and indulgent, you might just want to make it a weekly tradition. Trust me, once you give this soup a try, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this soup just right is all about having the basics that shine in harmony. Each ingredient plays a crucial role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe truly special.
- Ground pork sausage: The star protein adding rich, savory depth and a touch of spiced warmth.
- Diced onion: Adds sweetness and a fragrant base to build flavor.
- Minced garlic: Brings aromatic complexity and slight pungency.
- Flour: Helps thicken the soup, creating that luscious, cozy mouthfeel.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates fresh tomato flavor and gives the broth a lovely red tint.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and Mediterranean flair.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and color.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Intensify the tomato flavor with tangy, chewy bursts.
- Dry orzo pasta: Tiny but mighty, adding satisfying texture and body.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup its signature creamy richness.
- Baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and nutrients.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Boosts umami and melts perfectly into the hot soup.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional garnish for a little extra kick.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and cooking the ground pork sausage and diced onion together. Let the sausage brown fully while the onions soften and become translucent—that’s when flavors start to bloom. Then add the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant. This base layer will fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma and sets the stage for a deeply flavorful soup.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base with Flour and Tomato Paste
Stir in the flour, which will help thicken the soup, followed by the tomato paste, which enriches the broth with a concentrated tomato punch. Give everything a good stir to combine—the flour coats the sausage and onions, ensuring a velvety finish rather than a thin broth.
Step 3: Add Broth, Seasonings, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth, and then add Italian seasoning, paprika, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients bring brightness, herbaceousness, and a hint of smoky sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sausage. Let the mixture come to a simmer before adding the orzo.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo Pasta
Add the dry orzo pasta right into the simmering pot. It will soak up the flavorful broth and become plump and tender after about 10 to 13 minutes. This step is where the soup starts to take on its hearty character—each spoonful dotted with perfectly cooked pasta.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream for that luscious, creamy texture. Toss in the fresh baby spinach and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, adding richness and a subtle salty tang that makes this soup unforgettable.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to suit your preference. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a lovely gentle heat to this otherwise comforting and creamy soup. Now you’re ready to serve a bowl of pure comfort.
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parmesan shavings or a small drizzle of olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley also brightens the bowl, making each serving feel fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic crusty bread for dipping, a crisp green salad to balance the creaminess, or even garlic breadsticks for an indulgent touch. The heartiness of the soup means the sides can stay simple yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in small, charming bowls for an elegant dinner party or ladle it into mason jars for a portable, cozy lunch. You can also top each bowl with a fried sage leaf or a swirl of pesto to surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe, but keep in mind the spinach and cream may slightly change texture upon thawing. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for the best flavor.
Reheating
Gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high power to preserve the creamy texture and prevent splitting.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this soup?
Absolutely! While ground pork sausage offers great flavor, Italian sausage or chicken sausage can also work beautifully to tailor the spice level and taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or simply increase the vegetables and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes will add a different, lighter flavor and more moisture. If you prefer that, roast or sauté them first to concentrate their flavors before adding to the soup.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Add the heavy cream at low heat toward the end of cooking and avoid boiling the soup vigorously after adding it to keep the texture smooth and silky.
Is the orzo pasta essential?
Orzo gives this soup its charming bite, but you could substitute with other small pasta shapes or even rice if you prefer; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly special about the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe that brings comfort and a bit of indulgence to any mealtime. It’s an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that feels like it took a lot of effort but actually comes together quickly. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen as it is in mine. Happy cooking and happy savoring!
Print
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring savory ground pork sausage simmered with tender orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth enriched with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this easy-to-make soup comes together in just 30 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Thickening and Flavor Base
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Soup Ingredients
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ¾ cup dry orzo pasta
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups baby spinach
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Onion: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound ground pork sausage with ½ cup diced onion. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink, and the onions become translucent. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Flour and Tomato Paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the sausage mixture, mixing thoroughly to coat and create a roux that will help thicken the soup.
- Pour in Broth and Seasonings: Add 8 cups chicken broth, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and ¾ cup dry orzo pasta to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-13 minutes until the orzo is tender and plump.
- Combine Cream, Spinach, and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 3 cups baby spinach, and ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Heat until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts completely, stirring frequently to combine all flavors.
- Adjust Seasonings and Garnish: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and additional fresh Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt content.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted with roasted red peppers for a different flavor twist.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats nicely.
- Orzo can be replaced with small pasta shapes if unavailable.
