If you’re craving a soul-warming bowl that feels like a hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, vibrant veggies, and fresh spinach all swimming in a fragrant, lightly spiced broth that’s both comforting and full of personality. It’s a recipe that feels special enough to impress but simple enough to make any night of the week. One spoonful and you’ll understand why this soup has a way of winning hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or appearance, making the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe not just tasty but well-balanced and visually inviting. Let’s take a look at these essentials and why they matter.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich base flavor and helps sauté the sausage and veggies to perfection.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Brings savory depth and a wonderful, meaty texture that stands out beautifully.
- Small onion, diced: Offers subtle sweetness and aromatic warmth once softened.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the broth with its signature savory punch.
- Large carrot, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a bit of crunch that balances the soup.
- Ribs of celery, diced: Contributes fresh, earthy flavor and firmness.
- Can of diced tomatoes (undrained): Provides acidity and bright color that livens up the broth.
- Dried oregano: Enhances Italian-inspired herbal flavors.
- Dried basil: Complements the oregano with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that awakens the palate without overpowering.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all the ingredients together.
- Orzo pasta: Tiny, chewy pearls that give the soup heartiness and body.
- Fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Delivers vibrant color and a fresh, slightly earthy taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The perfect finishing touch that adds creamy saltiness and umami.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown beautifully, which deepens the flavor and adds richness. When the sausage is done, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from feeling greasy, but keep all those delicious browned bits in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Next, add diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery right into the pot with the sausage. Cook everything together until the vegetables soften and release their sweet aromas, roughly 5 minutes. This step is where the soup’s foundation really starts to build layers of flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Herbs
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Stir everything well to combine. This mixture brings brightness, herbal fragrance, and just the right touch of heat that keeps the soup lively.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Boil
Now it’s time for the chicken broth to join the party. Pour in four cups, increase the heat, and bring the soup to a boil. This bubbling moment is what slowly melds all those flavors together into a delicious broth that feels like it was simmered all day, even though it cooks in under half an hour.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Stir in the orzo pasta and let the soup cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo will swell and soften, absorbing that flavorful broth and providing that unique, satisfying chewiness that’s so irresistible in this soup.
Step 6: Wilt in the Spinach
Finally, toss in the fresh chopped spinach and cook for another couple of minutes until it wilts. This step adds a fresh burst of green, subtle earthiness, and extra nutrition. Finish by seasoning the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and shower with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts slightly into the warm broth, creating a creamy, flavorful finish that will make every bite memorable.
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond that lovely Parmesan, consider adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for an extra layer of freshness and a pop of color. Some crusty bread crumbs toasted with garlic can also add texture and bold flavor as a garnish.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as the star of the meal but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread for dipping. Garlic breadsticks or a light Caesar salad work wonders to round out the dining experience without competing with the soup’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe in small, elegant bowls garnished with microgreens and fresh Parmesan shards. Another idea is to pour the soup into edible bread bowls, which adds a fun, rustic twist that guests will love devouring.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and prevent the orzo from getting too soft. When you reheat, do so gently to maintain the best texture and taste.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but with a slight caution. The orzo may absorb additional liquid and become mushy after freezing and thawing. To avoid this, consider freezing the soup without the orzo, then cooking fresh orzo when you reheat for a fresher texture.
Reheating
Gently warm the soup over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen. Add fresh spinach when reheating to retain its vibrant color and texture, and finish with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan for that unbeatable finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works as a leaner alternative and still delivers great flavor, though it may be less fatty, so you might want to add a little olive oil for richness during cooking.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add hearty veggies like mushrooms or lentils to keep the soup filling and flavorful.
Can I substitute orzo with another type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or small shells work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes vary in how long they take to soften.
How spicy is the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe?
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Using mild Italian sausage and skipping the red pepper flakes will keep it gentle, while spicy sausage and pepper flakes add a pleasant heat punch you can tailor to your liking.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach on hand?
You can use frozen spinach in a pinch; just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it towards the end of cooking. Baby kale or Swiss chard are good fresh substitutes that will also hold up well in the soup.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe that makes it more than just a meal—it’s a comforting experience you want to share over and over. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself after a long day, this soup brings warmth, flavor, and a little bit of magic to the table. Grab your pot, gather the ingredients, and dive into making this recipe your new favorite weeknight go-to!
Print
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and flavorful Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup featuring Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tender orzo pasta simmered in a savory chicken broth, finished with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare the base for cooking your sausage and vegetables.
- Cook sausage: Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and released their flavors.
- Add tomatoes and herbs: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, along with dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the boiling soup and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Add spinach: Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach and continue to cook until the spinach wilts into the soup.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle kick if desired.
- Drain excess fat from the sausage to keep the soup lighter and less greasy.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor; baby spinach works well too.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and use plant-based sausage or omit the sausage altogether.
- Parmesan cheese garnish adds a savory finishing touch – omit for dairy-free option.
