Description
Indulge in a warm bowl of Savory Sausage Orzo Soup Delight. Discover a comforting recipe packed with flavor and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (about ½ cup)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (180g) orzo pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (optional)
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into large chunks. Let it brown without disturbing for 3-4 minutes to develop a flavorful crust. Then break it into smaller pieces and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes total. The caramelization happening now forms the foundation of your **Savory Sausage Orzo Soup Delight**’s flavor profile, so don’t rush this step!
- Step 2: Add Aromatics Reduce heat to medium and add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics will infuse the oil, enhancing the depth of your soup.
- Step 3: Build the Soup Base Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice), scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits—this is where the magic happens! Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Let this cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
- Step 4: Cook the Orzo Add the uncooked orzo pasta directly to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb some of the broth as it cooks, creating a slightly thicker consistency for your **Savory Sausage Orzo Soup Delight**. If the soup becomes too thick, add additional broth ¼ cup at a time.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve When the orzo is just tender, stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt for about 1-2 minutes. If using, stir in the heavy cream for added richness. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve your **Savory Sausage Orzo Soup Delight** hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg