If ever there was a recipe destined to win hearts (and maybe a few marriage proposals), it’s this glowing bowl of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup. Creamy, savory, and brimming with layers of flavor thanks to Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and a swirl of Parmesan, this dreamy soup wraps up all the coziness of home-cooked comfort in one simple pot. Whether you’re simmering it up for a chilly weeknight or sharing with someone special, you’ll quickly see why this soup has “commitment potential” written all over it.

Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients—each one brings its own magic touch to elevate this Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup. From rich sausage to creamy cheese, every addition adds taste, color, or a touch of spice to create one truly irresistible bowl.

Olive oil: Use a tablespoon to start everything off with a rich, silky base for sautéing.
Italian sausage (mild or spicy): One pound adds hearty flavor and protein—choose mild for comfort or spicy for extra zing.
Yellow onion: One small, diced onion creates a sweet, aromatic foundation for every spoonful.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced, infuse your soup with warmth and depth.
Dried oregano: Just a teaspoon adds unmistakable Italian character.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Half a teaspoon offers a playful kick—skip or include based on your spice preference.
Smoked paprika: Half a teaspoon delivers gentle, smoky undertones that round out the soup beautifully.
Tomato paste: A tablespoon gives bold richness and unites all the savory elements.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Six cups provide the soul-soothing backbone for the soup’s body and flavor.
Orzo pasta: One cup of this tiny, rice-shaped pasta brings wonderful texture and heartiness.
Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil): Half a cup, drained and chopped, brightens the soup with tangy, vibrant flavor.
Heavy cream: Half a cup is the secret for that luscious velvety finish.
Baby spinach: Three cups wilt into the soup, adding gorgeous color and a boost of nutrition.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Half a cup melts in creamy, salty goodness.
Salt and black pepper: Add to taste for perfect seasoning every time.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Bright herbs make a beautiful, fragrant garnish at the end.

How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage, letting it sizzle and brown, breaking it up with your spoon as you go. This step is key for building deep, meaty flavor—the kind that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and gives every bite its hearty character.

Step 2: Soften the Aromatics

Once the sausage is nicely browned, toss in your diced onion. Cook for about three to four minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent, soaking up all those delicious sausage drippings. Next, stir in the garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), smoked paprika, and tomato paste. Sauté this combo for another minute. The tomato paste and spices should get fragrant and deepen in color, a sure sign you’re on the road to soup perfection.

Step 3: Add Broth and Orzo

Pour in your chicken broth, and give everything a good stir, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of your pot. Bring it up to a gentle boil, then stir in the orzo and sun-dried tomatoes. Reduce your heat and let the soup simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, until the orzo is perfectly tender. With each swirl, you’ll notice the soup growing richer—thanks to the orzo soaking up all that beautiful broth.

Step 4: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Cheese

Now comes the swoon-worthy finale! Add the heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, stirring everything together until the spinach just wilts and the Parmesan melts into pure creaminess. Taste the soup and season it with salt and black pepper—don’t be shy, this is where you make it truly your own.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle your Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup into warm bowls. If you want to make it extra special, shower each bowl with fresh basil or parsley. Each spoonful will be creamy, cozy, and absolutely packed with flavor—it’s the ultimate finishing touch for sharing (or savoring solo!).

How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup

Garnishes

Nothing brightens up this soup quite like a handful of fresh basil or parsley. You can also sprinkle over extra grated Parmesan for a cheesy crown. Give each bowl a swirl of cream, a crack of black pepper, or even a drizzle of olive oil—these finishing touches make your Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup feel like a restaurant-worthy treat.

Side Dishes

For an unforgettable meal, pair your soup with slices of crusty sourdough, a simple green salad, or some garlic bread for dipping. The gentle heat and creaminess of the soup balance beautifully with fresh, tangy sides, and the bread is perfect for scooping every last drop out of the bowl!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this comfort food classic into a gourmet centerpiece by serving it in toasted bread bowls, small cast-iron pots, or even elegant teacups for an appetizer course. Top with herby microgreens or a side of crispy pancetta to impress your guests and make your Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup the talk of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more irresistible for quick lunches or fuss-free dinners during the week.

Freezing

If you want to stockpile some coziness, pour cooled Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just know the orzo may absorb more broth over time and thicken the soup, but a splash of extra broth will bring it right back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened, add a bit more chicken broth or water to loosen it until it’s creamy and scoopable again. Individual servings can also be reheated in the microwave for two to three minutes, stirring halfway through for even heat.

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup without dairy?

Absolutely! Simply swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and use nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan instead of traditional cheese. You’ll still get luscious, creamy results and all that dreamy flavor.

Is it possible to use different types of sausage?

Definitely—chicken or turkey sausage work just as well, and you can adjust for spiciness based on your preference. Just remember to remove the casings and break up the meat for even cooking throughout the soup.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Chopped kale, zucchini, bell peppers, or even a handful of green peas can be tossed in for extra veggie power. Add sturdy veggies when you simmer the broth, and delicate ones like spinach closer to the end.

What if I don’t have orzo?

No worries—other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rice are great substitutes. Just keep an eye on cooking times and adjust the broth as needed, since different shapes may soak up liquid differently.

Will Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup taste spicy?

The heat level is totally in your hands. Use mild sausage and skip the red pepper flakes for a family-friendly version, or go all in with spicy sausage and the full amount of flakes if you love a little fire. You can always adjust later with a dash of hot sauce, too!

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a soup that promises bold flavor, creamy comfort, and an easy path to weeknight bliss, give Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup a try. It’s the kind of warm, shareable recipe that brings everyone together—and who knows, it might just become the most requested dish at your table!

Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a comforting and creamy soup packed with Italian sausage, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon tomato paste
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Cook the sausage: Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through.
Add aromatics: Add onion, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant.
Add broth and orzo: Pour in chicken broth, add orzo and sun-dried tomatoes; simmer until orzo is tender.
Finish the soup: Stir in cream, spinach, and Parmesan until spinach wilts and soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Garnish with herbs and serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
You can substitute kale for spinach or use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
This soup thickens as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American