If you’re looking for a soup that will sweep you off your feet at the very first spoonful, Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is about to become your new obsession. Picture a creamy, tomato-kissed broth swirling around savory sausage, delicate orzo pasta, tender wilted spinach, and a luxurious touch of Parmesan — the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug and just might inspire someone to pop the question. With flavors this harmonious and a cooking process that couldn’t be easier, this soup is destined for repeat dinners in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is in its simplicity: every ingredient plays a vital role, contributing unmatched taste, heartiness, and a burst of color. Here’s what you’ll need — each one purposefully selected for the most delightful bowl.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle depth and is perfect for browning sausage and sautéing aromatics gently.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The standout protein brings rich, savory flavor and a hint of heat if you like it spicy.
- Yellow onion: Gently sweetens the base and complements the sausage perfectly.
- Garlic: Three cloves infuse this soup with irresistible, warming aroma and punchy flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a dash ignites a gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the Italian-inspired ingredients together effortlessly.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring concentrated tang and a gorgeous pop of color to every bowl.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the broth with rich, umami-packed tomato flavor.
- Chicken broth: Creates a comforting, savory base and balances out the creamy and cheesy notes.
- Orzo pasta: These tiny pasta gems offer comforting texture and soak up every bit of flavor.
- Heavy cream: For lush, velvety creaminess that makes the soup irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth, adding nutty, salty richness with every bite.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts beautifully at the end and adds vibrant color plus a nutritional boost.
- Salt and black pepper: A final touch to bring all the flavors into harmonious balance.
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. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown and cook through completely — this creates those delicious, savory bits that deepen the flavor of your Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup. Browning the sausage is the flavor foundation, so don’t rush this step.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Add your diced onion to the pot. Sauté for about three minutes, just until the onion softens and releases its sweetness. The caramelized onion means extra depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the rest of the soup.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Next, stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Give these a minute or two in the pot — you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen is filled with that irresistible, savory aroma. This step is where your soup takes on layers of Italian-inspired flavor and vibrant color.
Step 4: Add Broth & Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring it to a gentle boil, then add your orzo. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then so the orzo doesn’t stick. The little pasta will soak up the broth and deliver that signature creamy starchiness Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is known for.
Step 5: Finish Creamy & Cheesy
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and chopped spinach. Simmer for just a couple minutes — the cheese melts, the spinach wilts, and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy. Give it a taste and adjust with salt and pepper as you like.
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
Garnishes
The finishing touches really make this soup company-worthy. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top for savory richness, or scatter a handful of fresh chopped basil or parsley for color and garden-fresh aroma. If you want a little more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes does wonders.
Side Dishes
To complement Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup, you can’t go wrong with crusty bread — think a warm baguette or garlicky ciabatta, perfect for dunking. A bright, crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli make a hearty, wholesome pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in warm, shallow bowls for an upscale touch, or ladle it into oversized mugs for a cozy night on the couch. For a special gathering, try topping each bowl with a drizzle of good olive oil or a Parmesan crisp. It’s also lovely as a party “mini starter” in small espresso cups, letting guests sample its magic before the main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only get better as they mingle — just note that the orzo will soak up some extra liquid, making the soup a bit thicker the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled soup in individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Orzo can sometimes become a bit softer after freezing and reheating, but the incredible flavors of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup still shine. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently in a pot set over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water as needed to loosen the consistency. Stir frequently and heat until everything is hot throughout. You can also microwave single servings, stirring halfway through for even reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Feel free to swap Italian sausage for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Just remember: a well-seasoned sausage brings lots of flavor to Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients in Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for those with sensitivities.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too brothy?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer a bit longer before adding the cream and cheese, or use less chicken broth at the outset. The orzo will also continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so leftovers will naturally thicken up.
Can I add extra vegetables?
By all means! Chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or diced carrots taste wonderful and add color and nutrition. Just add firmer veggies along with the onions, so they have time to soften, and more delicate ones with the spinach at the end.
Is Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup spicy?
The spice level is customizable. Using mild sausage and easing up on the red pepper flakes keeps it kid-friendly and gentle, while a spicy sausage and a touch more heat will satisfy those who like a little kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a soul-satisfying meal that’s as easy as it is unforgettable, Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup has your name all over it. Every spoonful captures comfort, flavor, and just the right amount of wow factor for everyday dinners or special moments. Give it a try — it just might become the most-requested soup in your home, too!
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 one-pot meal that combines savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and nutritious spinach in a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress your loved ones with a flavorful, hearty dish.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach and use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- For a thicker soup, reduce broth by 1 cup or let it simmer longer before adding cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
