Description
Hearty Italian sausage orzo soup delivers comfort and flavor in one satisfying bowl. Packed with savory sausage, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked orzo, this Mediterranean-inspired dish brings warmth and richness to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) Italian sausage
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Remaining Ingredients:
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup (190 grams) uncooked orzo
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a spacious soup pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high temperature, continuously stirring until fully cooked and developing a rich caramelized exterior.
- Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving a thin layer of rendered fat in the cooking vessel.
- Introduce chopped onions and celery into the pot, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour and incorporate minced garlic, creating a fragrant base while gently stirring to prevent scorching.
- Methodically pour chicken broth into the mixture, ensuring smooth integration and eliminating any potential flour lumps.
- Incorporate canned tomatoes, dried oregano, and return the previously cooked sausage to the pot, elevating the heat to trigger a gentle boiling process.
- Carefully add orzo and cream, reducing temperature to maintain a consistent simmer and stirring periodically to prevent ingredient adhesion.
- Continue cooking until orzo reaches optimal tenderness, typically requiring 10-12 minutes of careful monitoring.
- For added vibrancy, gently fold fresh spinach into the soup moments before serving.
- Harmonize flavors with strategic salt and pepper seasoning, tasting and adjusting to personal preference.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, optionally accompanied by crusty bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Customize your soup’s thickness by adjusting chicken broth quantity for desired consistency.
- Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the soup’s flavor profile dramatically when sprinkled just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 486
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg