If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy meal with a flavor-packed, creamy, and slightly spicy kick, look no further than Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup. This one-pot wonder beautifully blends Italian sausage, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and just the right touch of creaminess to create a soup that’s both hearty and irresistible. Whether you’re trying to impress someone special or simply need an easy recipe for busy nights, Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy cravings every single time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is simple, familiar, and readily available, yet each ingredient brings something essential to the pot. These pantry staples and fresh flavors combine to deliver savory depth, brightness, creaminess, and irresistible texture.
- Olive oil: Sets the stage by helping to brown the sausage and release its flavors.
- Italian sausage: Whether mild or spicy, sausage is the flavor powerhouse here—choose your favorite!
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the soup.
- Garlic cloves: Don’t skimp—the garlic adds a punchy backbone that makes every bite pop.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that enhances the cozy warmth of the soup.
- Italian seasoning: Brings together classic Mediterranean herbs for rounded flavor.
- Salt: Balances and brightens all the flavors—season to taste!
- Black pepper: Offers subtle heat and earthiness.
- Chicken broth: The savory, soul-warming liquid that ties everything together.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luxe, velvety finish (but see notes for a lightened-up version).
- Orzo pasta: Tiny pasta shapes that soak up all the delicious flavors and create a satisfying texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These little gems add tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth for salty, umami-packed richness.
- Fresh spinach: Brightens the soup and delivers a pop of color and nutrition.
- Fresh basil (optional): A fragrant, fresh garnish made for finishing touches when serving.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your Italian sausage—whether you choose mild or spicy, it’s going to set the tone for the whole soup. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and beautifully crumbled. Give it about 5 to 6 minutes so you get those deliciously crispy, caramelized bits.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Stir in your diced yellow onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, letting it soften and get just a little golden at the edges. Then, add your minced garlic, optional red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let everything sizzle together for just about a minute—it’s all about unlocking those aromatic flavors right at the start!
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Next up, pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil—it already smells incredible at this point!
Step 4: Add Orzo and Simmer
With your liquid bubbling, stir in the uncooked orzo. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the soup cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo will tenderize and soak up all that sausage-infused flavor for the perfect bite.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Flavorful
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan. Stir gently and watch as the cheese melts and the soup transforms into a creamy, golden masterpiece. This is where Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup really starts to live up to its name!
Step 6: Wilt the Greens
The final touch: fold in your fresh spinach and let it cook for just 2 to 3 minutes, until tender and brilliantly green. Give the soup a taste and adjust any seasonings as needed. If you’re feeling fancy, a quick sprinkle of fresh basil right before serving adds even more flavor and color.
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
Garnishes
Garnishing Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is the best way to finish it off with style (and extra taste!). Try a handful of chopped basil or a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese for a fresh, savory flare. A little fresh-cracked black pepper makes for the prettiest finish, too.
Side Dishes
This creamy soup is so satisfying on its own, but for a truly memorable meal, pair it with a hunk of crusty bread for dunking. You can also serve it alongside a simple mixed greens salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. If you’re hosting a dinner party, try serving smaller cups of the soup as a starter before the main course.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’d like to take Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup up a notch, consider ladling it into stylish bowls and topping each portion with a swirl of cream, a nest of fresh basil, or a toasted crostini balanced on the edge. For parties or potlucks, serve it from a Dutch oven or slow cooker and let guests garnish their bowls to taste—it’s interactive and extra fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup keeps like a dream. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It can be stashed in the fridge for up to four days, making it a superstar for quick lunches and cozy leftovers throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to stash your soup for an even busier day, Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup can be frozen, but keep in mind the orzo will continue to absorb liquid and can soften further upon reheating. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the spinach and Parmesan, then add those ingredients fresh after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened overnight (as orzo often soaks up the broth), just splash in a bit of extra chicken broth or water to bring it back to the perfect, creamy consistency. Microwave reheating in short bursts works in a pinch, too.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! While Italian sausage (either mild or spicy) is classic for Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup, you can substitute turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based options for a lighter or vegetarian approach—the flavors will still shine through beautifully.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
For a lighter version of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. You can also use turkey sausage and kale instead of the traditional Italian sausage and spinach to lighten things up while keeping the soup hearty and delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the orzo with your favorite gluten-free pasta (look for rice-shaped pasta or small elbows), and double-check that your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free. The end result will be just as comforting and flavorful.
What vegetables can I add?
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is fantastic for adding extra veggies. Chopped bell pepper, mushrooms, zucchini, or even shredded carrots blend right in without altering the creamy texture. Just add them when sautéing the onion so they have time to soften properly.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté the onion and garlic before adding everything except the orzo, cream, Parmesan, and spinach to your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, then stir in the orzo for the last 30 minutes. Add the cream, cheese, and spinach just before serving for best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort with a twist, Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It delivers big on flavor, hugs you with creamy goodness, and is simple enough for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again (and again)!
Print
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a comforting and creamy one-pot dinner perfect for any night of the week. Loaded with Italian sausage, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, this flavorful soup will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Cook sausage: Add Italian sausage and cook until browned and crumbled, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add onion: Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Seasonings: Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add broth and orzo: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Finish soup: Fold in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Substitute kale for spinach or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
