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Cozy Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup - featured image

A hearty and comforting soup made with Italian sausage, orzo pasta, and a flavorful blend of herbs and vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. SautΓ© for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Return the sausage to the pot and stir in the crushed tomatoes. Let this cook for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  6. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
  7. Season the soup with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

[‘Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor.’, ‘Use quality chicken broth for better taste.’, ‘Keep orzo al dente to avoid mushiness.’, ‘Adjust seasoning gradually to suit your taste.’, ‘This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sausage soup, orzo soup, comfort food, hearty soup, easy dinner, quick soup recipe