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
Scale
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.
