This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a warm, creamy bowl that hugs your dinner table. It has rich sausage flavor, tender orzo that feels like tiny pasta pillows, and a silky finish from the cream and spinach. The soup is a little spicy (if you choose spicy sausage), a little creamy, and very comforting perfect when you want a no-fuss meal that still feels special. If you like the cozy, comforting vibe of Marry Me Chicken Soup, this sausage twist is sure to win hearts.
Top reasons to make this:
- Ready fast on busy weeknights.
- Uses simple, store-cupboard ingredients.
- Feeds a family or makes great leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes for fast weeknight dinners.
- Made with pantry staples like orzo and broth.
- Creamy and filling without a lot of fuss.
- Family-friendly picky eaters usually give it a thumbs up.
Ingredients of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
For the Soup:
- 1 pound sausage, removed from casings (use Italian or your favorite)
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium if preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Step-by-Step Instructions of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
- Brown the sausage: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil, and cook the sausage, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the aromatics: Push the sausage to the side, add a bit more olive oil, then add the diced onion. Cook until softened (about 4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broth and oregano: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo and simmer until tender, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with cream and spinach: Lower the heat, stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts and the soup is warmed through, about 2 minutes.
- Season and serve: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot.
Tips for Success
- Use medium heat when simmering the orzo so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Don’t add the cream too early; add at the end to keep it silky, not curdled.
- Stir occasionally while the orzo cooks to stop it from clumping.
- If the soup gets too thick, thin with a splash more broth or water.
Substitutions & Variations of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Use plant-based sausage and a dairy-free cream (coconut cream or cashew cream works).
- Swap orzo for a gluten-free orzo or use short-grain rice or small gluten-free pasta.
Variations:
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tomato-forward twist.
- Stir in grated Parmesan before serving for extra richness.
- Use spicy sausage for heat, or mild sausage for a softer flavor.
- Toss in white beans for extra protein and texture.
Storage Instructions of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove; add a splash of broth if it’s thick.
Freezer:
- This soup freezes, but the cream and orzo can change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze without cream and add fresh cream when reheating. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Make-Ahead:
- Brown the sausage and chop the veggies a day ahead. Store separately and finish cooking the orzo the night you serve it for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?
- Yes. Ground turkey or chicken will work; add extra seasoning (a pinch of fennel or Italian seasoning) to boost flavor.
Can I skip the cream to make it lighter?
- Yes. Use a half cup of cream or swap for plain Greek yogurt stirred in off the heat for a lighter, tangy finish.
How do I keep the orzo from absorbing all the broth?
- Slightly undercook the orzo in the pot, then let it sit a few minutes before serving, or add a bit more broth at the end to loosen the soup.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is quick, comforting, and simple enough for any busy night while feeling special enough to share. Try it when you want a warm, creamy meal with little fuss. If you make it, please leave a comment and a star rating I’d love to hear what you changed or loved about the recipe.
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Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
A cozy, creamy soup featuring rich sausage flavor and tender orzo, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage, removed from casings (Italian recommended)
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium if preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil, and cook the sausage, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the aromatics: Push the sausage to the side, add a bit more olive oil, then add the diced onion. Cook until softened (about 4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broth and oregano: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo and simmer until tender, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with cream and spinach: Lower the heat, stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts and the soup is warmed through, about 2 minutes.
- Season and serve: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot.
Notes
Use medium heat when simmering the orzo. Don’t add the cream too early; it should be added at the end to keep it silky. Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent clumping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Comfort Food