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Italian Sausage and Orzo Soup Recipe

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4.3 from 38 reviews

This Italian Sausage and Orzo Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting one-pot meal that combines browned Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a touch of cream. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, featuring a hearty blend of vegetables, herbs, and savory broth that warms the soul.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Broth

  • ½ tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices

Pasta and Dairy

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 1 cup heavy or whipping cream

Greens and Garnish

  • 2 cups fresh kale (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat for 7–10 minutes until browned. If there is excessive fat, carefully remove all but about 1 tablespoon from the pot.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and celery to the pot with the sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, flour, Italian seasoning, and dried basil. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to develop flavor and create a roux.
  4. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour mixture. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Cook Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
  6. Add Cream and Kale: Pour in the heavy cream and add the kale if using. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the kale wilts into the soup.
  7. Season and Garnish: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving warm.

Notes

  • Sausage: Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preferred spice level. Browning it well adds rich flavor to the soup.
  • Orzo: Orzo absorbs liquid as it sits. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the soup.
  • Vegetable Variations: Kale can be substituted with spinach, Swiss chard, or baby arugula for a different texture and flavor.
  • Lighter Option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk to reduce fat content.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Flavor Enhancements: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/italian-sausage-and-orzo-soup-recipe/