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Sausage Orzo Soup Flavorful and Easy Comfort Dish

by on December 23, 2024

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Sausage Orzo Soup is a warm and tasty dish that everyone loves. It’s simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights. With hearty sausage, tender orzo, and fresh veggies, this soup is comfort in a bowl. Get ready to enjoy a meal that not only fills you up but also warms your heart. Let’s dive into how to whip up this delicious recipe that promises to impress!

To make this tasty Sausage Orzo Soup, you will need: - 1 lb Italian chicken sausage, casing removed - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 stalks celery, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Most of these ingredients are easy to find. If you can't get Italian chicken sausage, use any ground sausage you like. For orzo, you can swap in other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Fresh tomatoes work well instead of canned if you prefer. Feel free to mix in other veggies, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to suit your taste. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh vegetables bring brightness and crunch to the soup. Fresh herbs, like parsley, add a pop of color and taste. The chicken broth should be good quality for a rich base. When you use fresh ingredients, your soup will taste more vibrant and delicious. You can really taste the love you put into your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your veggies. You will need one medium onion, two carrots, and two stalks of celery. Dice the onion and carrots into small pieces. Cut the celery into similar-sized bits. This helps all the veggies cook evenly. You can also mince two cloves of garlic. Minced garlic gives the soup a great flavor. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about five to seven minutes. You want them to soften up. Stir often to prevent burning. After they are soft, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until you smell that yummy garlic aroma. Next, it’s time for the sausage. You will use one pound of Italian chicken sausage. Remove the casing from the sausage. Then, break it up and add it to the pot with the veggies. Use a wooden spoon to stir and cook the sausage. You need to cook it for about eight to ten minutes. The sausage should turn brown and be cooked through. This step adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices and six cups of chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. This base creates a hearty soup. Once it’s simmering, add one cup of orzo pasta. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. These herbs add depth to the flavor. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, which is about eight to ten minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. When the orzo is tender, stir in one cup of baby spinach. Cook for one to two minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Your Sausage Orzo Soup is now ready! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft but not mushy. After that, add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This brings out its great taste. When you add the Italian sausage, break it apart with a wooden spoon. This helps it cook evenly. Brown it well for about 8-10 minutes. This step adds a lot of flavor to your soup. To make your soup pop, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley on top gives a nice touch. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. If you want a richer taste, add a splash of white wine when you cook the sausage. Let it simmer for a minute before adding broth. This step creates a deeper flavor. Don’t forget to taste your soup as it cooks. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. The right seasonings make all the difference. If you have leftover soup, let it cool first. Then, store it in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers. Label them with dates so you know when to use them. When you reheat, do it on low heat. Stir it well to heat evenly. This way, your soup stays tasty and safe to eat. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more orzo to achieve your desired consistency. Spice It Up: For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the soup while cooking for some heat. Meal Prep Friendly: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage, making it a great meal prep option. {{image_2}} You can boost this soup with extra veggies. Try adding zucchini or bell peppers for more color and flavor. Mushrooms also work well, adding depth to the taste. For some crunch, throw in some green beans or peas. They cook quickly and add nice texture. You can also add greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of baby spinach. If you want a lighter option, you can swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken. This keeps the soup healthy but still tasty. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage or skip the meat entirely. You can replace orzo with quinoa or rice for gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. This adds a nice kick to the soup. You can also add a splash of hot sauce just before serving. For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. It brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sausage. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also elevate the taste. To keep your Sausage Orzo Soup fresh, let it cool first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. This method helps prevent spills and keeps flavors locked in. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, freezing is a great option. Freezing your soup is easy. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. Sausage Orzo Soup can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating Sausage Orzo Soup is simple. You can use a pot on the stove or a microwave. If using the stove, heat over medium until hot. Stir often to avoid sticking. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure it’s hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting soup! Yes, you can use various sausages in this soup. Choose spicy sausage for heat or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Each type will change the taste but still keep it delicious. I love using Italian chicken sausage for its great flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! Orzo is not gluten-free. It is made from wheat, which contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, use rice or gluten-free pasta. These alternatives fit well in the soup and provide a similar texture. Just watch the cooking times, as they may vary. This soup lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Before serving, check for any changes in smell or color. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. This blog covered key aspects of Sausage Orzo Soup. We looked at essential ingredients and their importance. You learned preparation and cooking tips to ensure great flavors. We also explored ingredient variations and how to store leftovers safely. In closing, embrace these tips and use fresh ingredients. Your soup will taste even better. Enjoy making this dish and share it with friends and family. They’ll love it!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Comforting and Hearty: This soup combines the flavors of Italian sausage with tender orzo and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect dish for cozy nights.
  2. Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, this recipe is great for busy weeknights.
  3. Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from the spinach and vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also a healthy option for the whole family.
  4. Versatile and Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

To make this tasty Sausage Orzo Soup, you will need:

– 1 lb Italian chicken sausage, casing removed

– 1 cup orzo pasta

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 medium carrots, diced

– 2 stalks celery, diced

– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

– 6 cups chicken broth

– 1 cup baby spinach

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Measurements and Substitutions

Most of these ingredients are easy to find. If you can’t get Italian chicken sausage, use any ground sausage you like. For orzo, you can swap in other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Fresh tomatoes work well instead of canned if you prefer. Feel free to mix in other veggies, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to suit your taste.

Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh vegetables bring brightness and crunch to the soup. Fresh herbs, like parsley, add a pop of color and taste. The chicken broth should be good quality for a rich base. When you use fresh ingredients, your soup will taste more vibrant and delicious. You can really taste the love you put into your cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Vegetables

Start by gathering your veggies. You will need one medium onion, two carrots, and two stalks of celery. Dice the onion and carrots into small pieces. Cut the celery into similar-sized bits. This helps all the veggies cook evenly. You can also mince two cloves of garlic. Minced garlic gives the soup a great flavor.

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about five to seven minutes. You want them to soften up. Stir often to prevent burning. After they are soft, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until you smell that yummy garlic aroma.

Cooking the Sausage

Next, it’s time for the sausage. You will use one pound of Italian chicken sausage. Remove the casing from the sausage. Then, break it up and add it to the pot with the veggies. Use a wooden spoon to stir and cook the sausage. You need to cook it for about eight to ten minutes. The sausage should turn brown and be cooked through. This step adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup.

Combining Ingredients and Cooking Times

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices and six cups of chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. This base creates a hearty soup.

Once it’s simmering, add one cup of orzo pasta. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. These herbs add depth to the flavor. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, which is about eight to ten minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.

When the orzo is tender, stir in one cup of baby spinach. Cook for one to two minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Your Sausage Orzo Soup is now ready! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Correct Cooking Techniques

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft but not mushy. After that, add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This brings out its great taste. When you add the Italian sausage, break it apart with a wooden spoon. This helps it cook evenly. Brown it well for about 8-10 minutes. This step adds a lot of flavor to your soup.

How to Enhance Flavors

To make your soup pop, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley on top gives a nice touch. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. If you want a richer taste, add a splash of white wine when you cook the sausage. Let it simmer for a minute before adding broth. This step creates a deeper flavor. Don’t forget to taste your soup as it cooks. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. The right seasonings make all the difference.

Storing Leftovers Safely

If you have leftover soup, let it cool first. Then, store it in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers. Label them with dates so you know when to use them. When you reheat, do it on low heat. Stir it well to heat evenly. This way, your soup stays tasty and safe to eat.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup, making it more vibrant and delicious.
  2. Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more orzo to achieve your desired consistency.
  3. Spice It Up: For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the soup while cooking for some heat.
  4. Meal Prep Friendly: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage, making it a great meal prep option.

Variations

Additional Ingredients to Consider

You can boost this soup with extra veggies. Try adding zucchini or bell peppers for more color and flavor. Mushrooms also work well, adding depth to the taste. For some crunch, throw in some green beans or peas. They cook quickly and add nice texture. You can also add greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of baby spinach.

Ingredient Swaps for Different Diets

If you want a lighter option, you can swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken. This keeps the soup healthy but still tasty. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage or skip the meat entirely. You can replace orzo with quinoa or rice for gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Suggestions for Adding Heat or Extra Flavor

To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. This adds a nice kick to the soup. You can also add a splash of hot sauce just before serving. For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. It brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sausage. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also elevate the taste.

Storage Info

How to Properly Store Sausage Orzo Soup

To keep your Sausage Orzo Soup fresh, let it cool first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. This method helps prevent spills and keeps flavors locked in. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, freezing is a great option.

Freezing Options and Tips

Freezing your soup is easy. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. Sausage Orzo Soup can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating Sausage Orzo Soup is simple. You can use a pot on the stove or a microwave. If using the stove, heat over medium until hot. Stir often to avoid sticking. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure it’s hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting soup!

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can use various sausages in this soup. Choose spicy sausage for heat or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Each type will change the taste but still keep it delicious. I love using Italian chicken sausage for its great flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!

Is orzo pasta gluten-free?

Orzo is not gluten-free. It is made from wheat, which contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, use rice or gluten-free pasta. These alternatives fit well in the soup and provide a similar texture. Just watch the cooking times, as they may vary.

How long does Sausage Orzo Soup last in the fridge?

This soup lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Before serving, check for any changes in smell or color. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.

This blog covered key aspects of Sausage Orzo Soup. We looked at essential ingredients and their importance. You learned preparation and cooking tips to ensure great flavors. We also explored ingredient variations and how to store leftovers safely.

In closing, embrace these tips and use fresh ingredients. Your soup will taste even better. Enjoy making this dish and share it with friends and family. They’ll love i

To make this tasty Sausage Orzo Soup, you will need: - 1 lb Italian chicken sausage, casing removed - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 stalks celery, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Most of these ingredients are easy to find. If you can't get Italian chicken sausage, use any ground sausage you like. For orzo, you can swap in other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Fresh tomatoes work well instead of canned if you prefer. Feel free to mix in other veggies, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to suit your taste. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh vegetables bring brightness and crunch to the soup. Fresh herbs, like parsley, add a pop of color and taste. The chicken broth should be good quality for a rich base. When you use fresh ingredients, your soup will taste more vibrant and delicious. You can really taste the love you put into your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your veggies. You will need one medium onion, two carrots, and two stalks of celery. Dice the onion and carrots into small pieces. Cut the celery into similar-sized bits. This helps all the veggies cook evenly. You can also mince two cloves of garlic. Minced garlic gives the soup a great flavor. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about five to seven minutes. You want them to soften up. Stir often to prevent burning. After they are soft, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until you smell that yummy garlic aroma. Next, it’s time for the sausage. You will use one pound of Italian chicken sausage. Remove the casing from the sausage. Then, break it up and add it to the pot with the veggies. Use a wooden spoon to stir and cook the sausage. You need to cook it for about eight to ten minutes. The sausage should turn brown and be cooked through. This step adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices and six cups of chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. This base creates a hearty soup. Once it’s simmering, add one cup of orzo pasta. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. These herbs add depth to the flavor. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, which is about eight to ten minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. When the orzo is tender, stir in one cup of baby spinach. Cook for one to two minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Your Sausage Orzo Soup is now ready! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft but not mushy. After that, add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This brings out its great taste. When you add the Italian sausage, break it apart with a wooden spoon. This helps it cook evenly. Brown it well for about 8-10 minutes. This step adds a lot of flavor to your soup. To make your soup pop, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley on top gives a nice touch. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. If you want a richer taste, add a splash of white wine when you cook the sausage. Let it simmer for a minute before adding broth. This step creates a deeper flavor. Don’t forget to taste your soup as it cooks. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. The right seasonings make all the difference. If you have leftover soup, let it cool first. Then, store it in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers. Label them with dates so you know when to use them. When you reheat, do it on low heat. Stir it well to heat evenly. This way, your soup stays tasty and safe to eat. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more orzo to achieve your desired consistency. Spice It Up: For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the soup while cooking for some heat. Meal Prep Friendly: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage, making it a great meal prep option. {{image_2}} You can boost this soup with extra veggies. Try adding zucchini or bell peppers for more color and flavor. Mushrooms also work well, adding depth to the taste. For some crunch, throw in some green beans or peas. They cook quickly and add nice texture. You can also add greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of baby spinach. If you want a lighter option, you can swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken. This keeps the soup healthy but still tasty. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage or skip the meat entirely. You can replace orzo with quinoa or rice for gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. This adds a nice kick to the soup. You can also add a splash of hot sauce just before serving. For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. It brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sausage. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also elevate the taste. To keep your Sausage Orzo Soup fresh, let it cool first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. This method helps prevent spills and keeps flavors locked in. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, freezing is a great option. Freezing your soup is easy. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. Sausage Orzo Soup can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating Sausage Orzo Soup is simple. You can use a pot on the stove or a microwave. If using the stove, heat over medium until hot. Stir often to avoid sticking. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure it’s hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting soup! Yes, you can use various sausages in this soup. Choose spicy sausage for heat or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Each type will change the taste but still keep it delicious. I love using Italian chicken sausage for its great flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! Orzo is not gluten-free. It is made from wheat, which contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, use rice or gluten-free pasta. These alternatives fit well in the soup and provide a similar texture. Just watch the cooking times, as they may vary. This soup lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Before serving, check for any changes in smell or color. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. This blog covered key aspects of Sausage Orzo Soup. We looked at essential ingredients and their importance. You learned preparation and cooking tips to ensure great flavors. We also explored ingredient variations and how to store leftovers safely. In closing, embrace these tips and use fresh ingredients. Your soup will taste even better. Enjoy making this dish and share it with friends and family. They’ll love it!

Sausage Orzo Soup Delight

A hearty and flavorful soup featuring Italian chicken sausage, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian chicken sausage, casing removed
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Stir in the orzo pasta, dried oregano, and Italian seasoning. Cook according to orzo package instructions (about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  • Once the orzo is tender, add the baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley.
Keyword chicken, easy, orzo, sausage, soup

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