Description

A hearty and comforting Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup that combines savory ground pork sausage with sun-dried tomatoes, tender orzo pasta, fresh baby spinach, and creamy Parmesan-infused broth. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, featuring layers of bold Italian seasoning and a touch of paprika for a warm, inviting taste.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground pork sausage
1/2 cup diced onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
3 cups baby spinach

Dry Ingredients

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 cup dry orzo pasta
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes, for garnish

Liquids and Dairy

8 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Brown sausage and sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground pork sausage and diced onion over medium-high heat until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Make roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and tomato paste to the sausage mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine and cook off the raw flour taste.
Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, then add Italian seasoning, paprika, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and dry orzo pasta. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10-13 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
Stir in cream, spinach, and cheese: Add the heavy cream, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the soup, about 2-3 minutes.
Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with red pepper flakes and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

This soup is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Add more chicken broth or water if the soup thickens too much upon standing.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.