Description
Sausage and Orzo Soup is a hearty, savory soup featuring Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich chicken broth. This flavorful, comforting dish is ideal for chilly evenings or a satisfying family meal, combining the robustness of sausage with nourishing greens and a touch of Parmesan cheese for finishing.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering to prepare for sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the sliced or crumbled Italian sausage to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through, releasing its savory flavors.
- Sauté Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to develop its aroma without burning.
- Add Broth and Bring to Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, preparing the soup base.
- Add Orzo and Seasoning: Stir in the orzo pasta and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pot and stir until wilted, enriching the soup with vibrant greens.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
Notes
- Use turkey sausage as a lighter alternative to Italian sausage for a leaner soup.
- Enhance the soup’s nutrition and flavor by adding additional vegetables like zucchini or diced tomatoes.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator; consume within 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
