If you’re searching for a soup that delivers cozy comfort, luscious flavors, and near-instant dinner satisfaction, look no further than Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup! This creamy, hearty dish brings together savory sausage, tender orzo, vibrant veggies, and a swirl of Parmesan and cream for a meal you’ll crave again and again. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug—elevated with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for pops of flavor and color. Whether you’re hoping to impress, nourish loved ones, or simply brighten a chilly night, this recipe promises to become an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is how basic yet flavorful the ingredient list is. Each item plays a starring role—from adding depth and creaminess, to bringing color and a touch of heat. Gather these simple staples and get ready to savor big, bold, irresistible flavor.
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéeing the sausage and vegetables, while adding richness from the very start.
- Italian Sausage: Go mild or spicy depending on your preference—it’s the anchor for this soup’s hearty, meaty flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Diced and sautéed, it gives a gentle sweetness and a flavor base that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp! Minced garlic builds savory depth and makes the whole soup smell amazing.
- Dried Oregano & Thyme: These herbs lend classic Italian aroma and balance the creamy, savory ingredients.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch offers gentle, lingering heat—skip or include depending on your taste buds!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their tangy, concentrated flavor adds little bursts of umami and color.
- Chicken Broth: The backbone of any great soup, it delivers a light, savory base for all the flavors to meld.
- Orzo: Small, tender pasta that soaks up all the goodness and adds delightful texture to every bite.
- Heavy Cream: Just enough creamy indulgence to bring silkiness to the broth without weighing it down.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best, for a salty, nutty lift that finishes the soup with richness.
- Baby Spinach: Tossed in at the end so it wilts gently and provides a fresh, vibrant contrast.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning to taste ensures every ingredient shines just right.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Sprinkled over the top for an eye-catching, fresh pop at serving time.
How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the Italian sausage—breaking it up with a wooden spoon and stirring until it’s browned and cooked through. This is your first layer of flavor, building the savory backbone of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Once the sausage is cooked, toss in your diced onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until it’s soft, translucent, and fragrant. The onion mellows and sweetens, complementing the savory meat perfectly.
Step 3: Bring on the Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let everything cook for about 1 minute—just until you catch that irresistible waft of garlic and herbs filling your kitchen.
Step 4: Sun-Dried Tomato Magic
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stirring them in to awaken their tangy, umami-packed flavor. These little jewels infuse the broth with character and pretty color.
Step 5: Make it Soupy
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits that may be clinging to the bottom of your pot. Give everything a good stir, then bring it to a boil. The aromas at this stage are intoxicating!
Step 6: Cook the Orzo
As soon as your soup reaches a boil, stir in the uncooked orzo. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo will plump up and soak in all the amazing flavors swirling in the pot.
Step 7: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Now for the rich, dreamy touch: pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts into the broth, making it velvety and irresistible—this is where that signature Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup creaminess comes to life.
Step 8: Add the Spinach
Toss in the baby spinach and let it wilt gently in the heat—just 2–3 minutes. This step adds a swirl of green freshness and a boost of nutrition, making each bowl as nourishing as it is beautiful.
Step 9: Season and Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper, then ladle heaping bowls of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup. Top with your favorite fresh herbs and let the compliments roll in!
How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
Garnishes
Nothing brightens a creamy soup like a shower of fresh basil or parsley right before serving. If you love a cheesy finish, an extra touch of Parmesan or even a drizzle of olive oil makes Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your steaming bowls with crusty sourdough, garlic bread, or even a crisp green salad for balance. The soup’s satisfying richness is perfect alongside simple sides, making dinner feel extra special with very little fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup in wide, shallow bowls nestled on a wooden board, or top each portion with parmesan crisps for a restaurant-worthy touch. For gatherings, ladle it into mugs for a cozy, handheld appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, let your soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just keep in mind the orzo will continue to soak up liquid, so it’ll thicken a bit over time.
Freezing
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is freezer-friendly, though the pasta can soften after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the orzo, cream, and spinach, then finish it when you reheat. Otherwise, freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of extra broth or water to loosen as needed. The soup will return to its creamy texture and bold flavors, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for the Italian sausage. Just aim for a sausage with plenty of flavor, so your Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup still sings with gusto.
Is there a good substitution for heavy cream?
Yes—half-and-half or whole milk can work for a lighter version, though the result will be a bit less creamy. For dairy-free, try unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream for similar richness.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free orzo, which is available at most larger grocery stores. Double-check that your broth and sausage are also gluten-free if needed.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
No problem! You can leave them out or substitute with a handful of cherry tomatoes (halved) or roasted red pepper for a similar sweet-tangy kick.
Can I add more veggies?
Certainly! Mushrooms, zucchini, or kale work well. Add heartier vegetables with the onion and delicate ones like spinach at the end, so everything is perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a feel-good meal that delivers every single time, give Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup a try. It’s cozy, speedy, and so crave-worthy, you might find yourself making it on repeat—so grab your favorite soup pot and savor the magic!
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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 hearty dish perfect for a cozy night in. With Italian sausage, orzo pasta, and a creamy broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup uncooked orzo
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large soup pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Cook sausage: Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add onion: Add the diced onion and sauté until softened.
- Incorporate seasonings: Stir in garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Include sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring to a boil.
- Cook orzo: Stir in orzo and simmer until tender.
- Finish soup: Mix in cream, Parmesan, spinach, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
- This soup thickens as it sits—add more broth or water to loosen when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
