Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup

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Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a dish that lives up to its name—it’s so rich, flavorful, and comforting that you might just get a marriage proposal after serving it! This soup brings together the heartiness of Italian sausage, the silkiness of orzo pasta, and the bright, fresh flavors of vegetables and herbs, all simmered in a deliciously seasoned broth. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. The best part? It comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of garlic, onions, and carrots provides a fragrant base, while the spinach and Parmesan finish it off with a fresh, creamy touch. You can tweak the heat level by adjusting the red pepper flakes, and if you prefer a leaner option, turkey sausage works well too.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Stir in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, followed by the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together.
  4. Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Stir in the orzo pasta and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender.
  6. Mix in the chopped spinach, letting it wilt into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Nutritional Insights & Dietary Considerations:

This soup is a well-balanced meal in itself, offering a good mix of protein from the sausage, fiber from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the orzo. The spinach adds an excellent source of vitamins A and C, while Parmesan contributes calcium and a bit of extra flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, swapping out regular sausage for turkey or chicken sausage can reduce the fat content. For a lower-carb version, you can replace the orzo with cauliflower rice or leave it out entirely.

Sharing and Commenting is Caring:

Tried this Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup? We’d love to hear what you think! Share your experience in the comments and let us know if you made any tweaks to the recipe. Whether you stuck to the original or added your own twist, your feedback helps others enjoy it even more. If you loved this soup, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. A warm, homemade meal always brings people together!