Get ready to fall head over heels for a bowl of comfort: Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is pure love in soup form! This dish combines savory Italian sausage, creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a swirl of parmesan-flecked cream for a soup that’s at once hearty, vibrant, and irresistibly flavorful. It’s the kind of meal you want to cozy up with on a chilly night, and it delivers sunshine and smiles even when the weather isn’t playing along. Whether you’re wooing a crowd or treating yourself, this magical soup captivates with every spoonful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is in its approachable, everyday ingredients, which each bring their own flair to the pot. Combined, they create genuine depth and soul in every bite—nothing fancy, just pure comfort and big flavors.
- Olive oil: Just a splash brings out flavor in the sausage while keeping things luscious.
- Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, it’s the heart of the soup, bringing both protein and bold, savory depth.
- Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and forms the aromatic backbone.
- Garlic: Three cloves infuse every slurp with warmth and zing.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch if you like a gentle kick of heat.
- Tomato paste: A spoonful brings tangy richness and gives the broth its signature body.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together and keeps the soup light yet hearty.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned with juice packs in juicy, tangy tomato flavor all year round.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped for a concentrated burst of sweet, savory umami in every bite.
- Orzo pasta: These tiny noodles plump up beautifully and soak up all the flavors.
- Dried oregano: Adds a touch of Mediterranean warmth and herbiness.
- Dried basil: Brings aromatic sweetness and rounds out the flavor of the broth.
- Heavy cream: Swirled in at the end, it adds luscious richness and a silky finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated and stirred in for nutty, cheesy undertones and a little salty punch.
- Fresh spinach: Chopped and wilted in for a pop of green and fresh contrast.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste so every element shines.
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan (optional): For garnish—these finishing touches make each bowl restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. The goal is to get some beautiful browning and cook the sausage through entirely—about 5-7 minutes. These caramelized bits at the bottom are flavor gold!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the sausage is golden, stir in the diced onion and let it soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy, and the tomato paste. Let everything sauté for another minute or two, just until it’s fragrant and the tomato paste darkens up a shade.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes, making sure to include all those flavorful juices. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Give everything a good stir, then bring the soup up to a lively simmer.
Step 4: Simmer with Orzo
Add your dry orzo and reduce the heat so the soup stays at a gentle bubble. Simmer uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every now and then so nothing sticks, until the orzo is tender and begins absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Step 5: Get Creamy & Cheesy
Swirl in the heavy cream and toss in the Parmesan, stirring until the soup turns luxuriously creamy and the cheese melts into every corner of the pot. This is the moment when Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup goes from great to absolutely swoon-worthy.
Step 6: Finish with Greens
Add the chopped fresh spinach and cook for just a minute or two until it wilts and brings vibrant color and freshness to the bowl. Give the soup a final season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Ladle the soup into big, cozy bowls, then sprinkle with extra Parmesan or torn fresh basil if you’d like. Now it’s ready to steal the show at your table!
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way with Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup! Try a generous snowfall of finely grated Parmesan, a handful of ribboned fresh basil, or even a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. These small touches add restaurant-style polish and a last pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup loves some company—think a crusty chunk of sourdough, a warm piece of garlic bread, or a simple green salad dressed in something punchy and lemony. The breads are ideal for cozy dunking, while the leafy greens provide crisp contrast to all the lushness in your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup in wide mugs for a casual, fireside vibe or ladle it over wilted greens for an even more veggie-packed meal. Hosting a dinner party? Dish it up in small ramekins as an appetizer or as part of a soup-and-salad lunch spread—your guests will swoon at first bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Simply let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers. The orzo will absorb more broth as it sits, so the soup gets thicker and heartier.
Freezing
This soup is freezer friendly—just freeze in individual portions or a big batch for up to 3 months. For best results, slightly undercook the orzo before freezing and allow the soup to cool completely before tucking it into your freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in an extra splash of broth or water to loosen things up if it’s gotten too thick. Give it a taste and add a final pinch of salt or sprinkle of Parmesan if you wish—leftovers always welcome a little refresher!
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds classic Mediterranean flavor, you can also use turkey, chicken, or even spicy chorizo to tailor the soup to your tastes or dietary needs.
Is Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup gluten-free?
Yes—with a simple swap! Use your favorite gluten-free orzo or other small gluten-free pasta, and make sure your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.
Can I lighten up the soup?
If you’re after a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even a splash of whole milk. The broth will be a touch less rich, but still comforting and delicious.
Can I substitute kale or another green for spinach?
Definitely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even baby arugula work beautifully here—just chop them finely and expect a slightly longer wilt time for heartier greens like kale.
What can I do if my soup is too thick?
Easy fix—just add a splash or two of chicken broth or water until the consistency is just right. The orzo continues to soak up liquid over time, so you may need to thin it out when reheating as well.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning weeknight dinners or just need a comforting hug in a bowl, Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Each spoonful is creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying—so why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this soul-soothing soup soon!
Print
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. With Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, orzo pasta, and a creamy broth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 3/4 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Add onion and sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil.
- Add orzo and simmer until tender. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.
Notes
Notes:
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- This soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or water to reheat.
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