Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe

There’s something comforting about a hot, steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s made with hearty ingredients like Italian sausage, vegetables, and orzo pasta. Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the richness of Italian sausage with the texture of orzo pasta and the heartiness of vegetables, all in a savory, aromatic broth. It’s perfect for a cold winter evening, a cozy family dinner, or a meal to impress your guests.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare all your ingredients to make the cooking process go smoothly.

1. Prep the Vegetables:

   • Dice the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Chop the spinach (or kale) into bite-sized pieces.
   • Set these ingredients aside in separate bowls to keep everything organized.

2. Remove Sausage from Casings:

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   • If using Italian sausage links, remove the sausage from the casings by cutting the links open and squeezing the meat out. Use a knife or your fingers to break the sausage into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

The sausage is the star of this soup, so it’s important to cook it properly and allow it to release its flavorful fat, which will form the base of the soup’s flavor.

1. Cook the Sausage:

   • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure that the sausage browns evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink.
   • As the sausage cooks, allow it to release its fat, which will add flavor to the soup.

2. Drain Excess Fat:

   • Once the sausage is cooked, if there is an excessive amount of fat in the pan, you can drain some of it off. However, be sure to leave some behind for flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Now that the sausage is browned, you’ll add the vegetables to create the base of your soup. This step helps to release the flavors of the vegetables and allows them to soak up the delicious sausage fat.

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper to the pot with the sausage. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.

2. Add Seasonings:

   • Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to coat the vegetables and sausage in the seasonings.

Step 4: Add Broth and Tomatoes

The broth and diced tomatoes are what create the delicious, hearty soup base. These ingredients add depth and richness to the soup, as well as the perfect amount of acidity from the tomatoes.

1. Add Broth and Tomatoes:

   • Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir to combine, making sure all the vegetables and sausage are submerged in the liquid.
   • Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, and stir to incorporate everything.

2. Bring to a Boil:

   • Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

The orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and is the perfect addition to a hearty soup. It absorbs the flavors of the broth and adds a nice texture to the soup.

1. Add Orzo to the Soup:

   • Stir in the orzo and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

2. Check the Consistency:

   • If the soup becomes too thick while cooking, you can add a little extra water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Add the Greens and Finish the Soup

The final touches of spinach or kale and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese elevate the soup’s flavor, making it even more comforting and satisfying.

1. Add Greens:

   • Once the orzo is cooked, add the chopped spinach (or kale) to the soup. Stir it in and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the greens wilt and soften. The greens add a burst of color and nutrients to the soup.

2. Taste and Adjust:

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 7: Serve the Soup

Your Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo is now ready to be served! Ladle the soup into bowls, and add a few finishing touches to make it even more delicious.

1. Top with Parmesan:

   • Sprinkle each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and creaminess.

2. Garnish with Parsley:

   • Garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

3. Optional Drizzle:

   • If you like, you can drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the top of each bowl before serving to add a touch of richness.

4. Serve with Crusty Bread:

   • Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad to make it a complete meal.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Your Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo is now ready to be enjoyed! The rich, savory broth, tender sausage, and perfectly cooked orzo come together to create a soup that’s satisfying, filling, and full of flavor. The vegetables add freshness and texture, while the greens bring a lovely burst of color and nutrition.

This soup is the perfect dish for any season. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly winter day or serving it to guests for a casual gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Sausage: You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your personal preference. For a leaner version, opt for turkey or chicken sausage.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables in this soup, such as spinach, kale, green beans, or peas. You can even add potatoes for extra heartiness.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with another small pasta like quinoa or rice.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding extra broth if needed.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost and reheat, adding more broth as necessary to adjust the consistency.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo is a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of flavorful Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and hearty orzo pasta in a savory broth creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special gathering, or just a cozy weekend meal, this soup is sure to impress. With a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil, you’ve got a bowl of pure comfort that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!

Yield: 8

Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe

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There’s something comforting about a hot, steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s made with hearty ingredients like Italian sausage, vegetables, and orzo pasta. Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the richness of Italian sausage with the texture of orzo pasta and the heartiness of vegetables, all in a savory, aromatic broth. It’s perfect for a cold winter evening, a cozy family dinner, or a meal to impress your guests.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups spinach or kale (fresh, chopped)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage:

• Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary and set the sausage aside.

2. Sauté the vegetables:

• In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

3. Build the soup base:

• Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, water, bay leaf, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

4. Simmer the soup:

• Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Add orzo and spinach:

• Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
• Add the spinach (or kale) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.

6. Final seasoning:

• Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.

7. Serve:

• Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

You can use a mix of sweet and spicy Italian sausage for more complex flavor.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.

For added texture and flavor, you can substitute orzo with small pasta like ditalini or mini penne.

To make the soup richer, add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking (optional).

This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes well for future meals.