If you’re on the lookout for a soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you have to try this Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe. It’s packed with savory ground pork sausage, creamy goodness, and a delightful bite from orzo pasta, all mingling in a flavorful broth studded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The blend of Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese makes every spoonful irresistibly comforting and rich—this soup truly deserves every bit of attention and love you can give it in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that don’t just bring flavor—they build layers of texture and color that make the dish pop. Each component plays a key role, from the boldness of Italian sausage to the bright green of fresh spinach, creating a perfectly balanced and visually appealing bowl.
- Ground pork sausage: The star protein with rich, seasoned flavor that forms the hearty base of the soup.
- Diced onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the broth with irresistible aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup for that lovely creamy consistency.
- Tomato paste: Provides a touch of acidity and a deep, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that carries all ingredients, enhancing every bite.
- Italian seasoning: Brings herby, classic Italian flair packed with basil, oregano, and more.
- Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a gentle hue to the broth.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Bursts of chewy sweetness that brighten the savory base.
- Dry orzo pasta: Provides a tender, rice-like texture that makes the soup feel substantial.
- Heavy cream: Delivers creamy richness that perfectly softens the spices.
- Baby spinach: Fresh, leafy greens that add color and a gentle earthy note.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami finish that melts beautifully into the soup.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional garnish for a gentle kick of heat and visual appeal.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork sausage and diced onion, cooking until the sausage is browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds that irresistible meaty flavor base. Once the onions are softened, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and add the tomato paste. Stir everything well, letting the flour cook for a minute or two to get rid of its raw taste while the tomato paste deepens the color and adds complexity. This mixture will thicken your soup beautifully as it simmers.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth, then season with Italian seasoning and paprika. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and dry orzo pasta. Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 to 13 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed some of those incredible flavors.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream, Spinach, and Cheese
Once your orzo has cooked perfectly, add the heavy cream along with the fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the spinach has wilted and the cheese melts into the soup, giving it that luscious, velvety finish we all crave.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. For an extra pop of color and a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Ladle into bowls and get ready to dive into the comfort of this soul-satisfying soup.
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe with fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for a final savory touch. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully. The red pepper flakes bring an optional spicy warmth that livens up each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad to keep the meal balanced and inviting. A warm dinner roll or a cheesy focaccia also complements the creamy, rich broth, making it a full and hearty dining experience suitable for sharing with loved ones.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely presentation, serve your soup in rustic bowls with a toasted bread slice perched on the side or placed on top for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving to keep the colors vibrant. For a fun twist, ladle the soup into mini bread bowls to make it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be a perfect quick lunch or dinner that reheats easily without losing its creamy goodness.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to save some for later. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the spinach and cream might slightly change, so consider adding fresh spinach after reheating if you want that fresh green pop.
Reheating
Reheat your Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from curdling. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to maintain its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for ground pork sausage, you can substitute Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy chorizo for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is it possible to make this soup without dairy?
Yes, you can skip the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese or replace them with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast to keep it creamy and flavorful while making it vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Definitely. This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it properly in the fridge and reheat before serving.
What can I substitute for orzo pasta?
If you can’t find orzo, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even small shell pasta work well. You can also use rice for a slightly different texture sensation.
How spicy is the soup?
The basic recipe is mild and family-friendly, but adding red pepper flakes as a garnish gives you control over the heat. Feel free to adjust the spice to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe is truly an unforgettable dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, it’s the kind of recipe everyone will ask you to make again. Give it a go—you just may fall in love with it as much as I have!
Print
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup combines savory ground pork sausage, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant baby spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and warming seasonings. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, this soup is easy to prepare in just 30 minutes using stovetop cooking.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 cup dry orzo pasta
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Liquids & Cheese
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown sausage and sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground pork sausage and diced onion until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and tomato paste to the sausage mixture, cooking for a couple of minutes to combine and slightly thicken the base.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, then add Italian seasoning, paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer soup: Let the soup simmer for 10 to 13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is fully cooked and tender.
- Stir in cream, spinach, and cheese: Add the heavy cream, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and serve hot.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a nice tangy depth; you can substitute with roasted red peppers if unavailable.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Orzo cooks quickly; monitor to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
- This soup freezes well; reheat gently on the stove to maintain the creaminess.
