If you’re searching for a soup that’s bursting with comfort, flavor, and a touch of romance, then the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s a steaming bowl of creamy, savory goodness that combines hearty ground pork sausage, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant spinach in a silky tomato-infused broth. This soup feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and is deceptively simple to whip up while packing a punch of bold tastes that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you make this Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe, it might just become your new weeknight favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, yet the list remains wonderfully straightforward. From the spicy sausage to the creamy Parmesan, each element is essential in creating that perfect comforting vibe.
- 1 pound ground pork sausage: Brings in a savory and slightly spicy depth that forms the heart of the soup.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic base that balances the richness.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses the broth with warm, fragrant notes.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the broth for a luscious texture.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Packs in a concentrated tomato flavor with a subtle tang.
- 8 cups chicken broth: The flavorful foundation that ties all flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the soup’s scent and taste.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a beautiful warm hue.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped: Delivers a sweet, chewy burst of concentrated tomato goodness.
- 3/4 cup dry orzo pasta: Tiny pasta pearls that cook quickly and lend a pleasing bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety broth that soothes every spoonful.
- 3 cups baby spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant green color and a boost of nutrition.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty dimension that melts delightfully into the soup.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish: Adds a gentle kick and an inviting pop of red color.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Vegetables
Start by cooking the ground pork sausage with diced onions in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Let the sausage brown nicely, which unlocks all those irresistible meaty flavors, and cook the onions until softened and translucent. Then add minced garlic and stir for just a minute or two until it releases that wonderful aroma—this base sets the stage for all the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Create a Roux with Flour and Tomato Paste
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sausage mixture, then stir in the tomato paste. This combination forms a roux that thickens the soup and enriches the broth with an extra layer of tomatoey depth. Cook for a minute or two to meld all the flavors before moving on.
Step 3: Add the Broth, Herbs, and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the soup to a boil, then gently reduce the heat to simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta and let everything cook together for 10 to 13 minutes until the orzo is tender but still slightly al dente. This step is where the soup truly starts to come alive with warmth and heart.
Step 4: Stir in Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan Cheese
Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, gently add in the heavy cream, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts down into the broth and the cheese melts, creating a silky, rich finish that makes the soup incredibly comforting and satisfying.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a lovely touch of gentle heat and a beautiful burst of color. Now you’re ready to dig into this heartwarming bowl of love.
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe to the next level. Personally, I love a simple dusting of extra grated Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes to add just a little zip. A small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few torn fresh basil leaves can also add a fresh, vibrant note that excites the palate.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread makes it downright irresistible. Garlic bread, a rustic baguette, or cheesy focaccia offer the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that luscious broth. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy soup beautifully by adding a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe to dinner party levels by serving it in mini mason jars or pretty bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls to wow guests or make it a fun meal for kids by letting them add their own garnishes from small bowls of cheese and chili flakes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this soup around longer, it freezes well for up to two months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and leave out the spinach if possible—add fresh when reheating to keep it vibrant. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency since the orzo can absorb liquid when cooled. Microwave reheating works too, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even ground turkey if you want a lighter option. Just make sure to adjust seasonings since different sausages have varying spice levels.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta? Can I use something else?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini, mini shells, or pastina work beautifully as substitutes. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they might differ slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe?
Definitely! Use vegetable broth and replace the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. The sun-dried tomatoes and spices will keep the soup full of flavor.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld. Prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to three days, then gently reheat before serving.
How do I avoid mushy orzo in the soup?
The key is to keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks and remove the soup from heat as soon as it is tender but still firm to the bite. Orzo continues to absorb liquid as it rests, so slightly undercooking it is okay if you plan to reheat later.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so special about the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe — it brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and a bit indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or impressing friends, this soup offers a warm, satisfying embrace in every bowl. Give it a try soon, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for cozy nights and happy memories!
Print
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired soup perfect for cozy nights. Made with savory ground pork sausage, tender orzo pasta, a creamy tomato-infused broth, and fresh spinach, finished with Parmesan cheese, it delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. Quick and easy to prepare, this soup makes a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Thickening and Flavor Base
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Soup Base
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
Pasta and Cream
- 3/4 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
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 cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and tomato paste to the sausage mixture, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux that will thicken the soup and develop richer flavor.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, then add Italian seasoning, paprika, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the orzo pasta is tender but not mushy.
- 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 completely, which will create a creamy and well-integrated soup.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve hot garnished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and optional extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground pork sausage with Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or ground beef for variety.
- If you don’t have orzo pasta on hand, small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells work well as substitutes.
- To adjust soup thickness, add more chicken broth if it’s too thick or simmer a bit longer if it’s too thin. Alternatively, you can use a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Leftover soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
