Dinner

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe

Name: Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound raw ground mild or sweet Italian sausage; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 leek, cleaned and sliced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 small zucchini, diced; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped or chiffonade; ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped; 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; ½ cup half-and-half or heavy cream; ¾ cup orzo pasta; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: splash of red wine for deglazing; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Bynova cole November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

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Introduction

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables, this soup offers a lightly creamy broth that feels both hearty and nourishing. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or craving a satisfying meal, this soup delivers warmth and ease in every bowl.

Ingredients

1 pound ground mild or sweet Italian sausage (raw)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 leek, cleaned and sliced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. If there is browned residue on the pot bottom, deglaze with a splash of red wine or broth, scraping up the bits.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion, leek, carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot. Sauté until the onions and leeks are soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and mix well.
Step 4: Pour in the broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer while you cook the orzo separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo and add it to the soup pot.
Step 5: Stir in the half-and-half and chopped spinach. Heat through until the spinach wilts and the soup is warmed evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, topping each bowl with additional Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a leaner version, substitute turkey or chicken sausage and use low-sodium broth. Omit the cream if desired for a lighter soup.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, peas, corn, or kale to boost nutrition and texture.
To make the soup creamier, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone cheese just before serving.
Try different small pasta shapes such as ditalini, elbows, or mini shells for variety.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because orzo absorbs broth over time, loosen the soup with a little water or additional broth when reheating. To freeze, omit the orzo during initial preparation. Cook fresh orzo separately when thawing and reheating the soup for best texture.

How to Serve

A large white pot filled with a hearty soup that has an orange-red broth with visible ingredients including cooked ground meat, chopped tomatoes, celery, carrots, and bright green spinach leaves scattered throughout. The soup has a chunky texture with distinct pieces of vegetables and meat, and some small bubbles on the surface indicating it is hot. The pot handle is visible on the left side, and the pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sausage links instead of ground sausage?

Yes, you can remove the raw meat from sausage links by slicing off one end of the casing and squeezing out the meat. Avoid using cooked or breakfast sausages for this recipe.

Is it necessary to cook the orzo separately?

Cooking orzo separately helps prevent it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy during storage. It also allows you to control the pasta’s texture more precisely before adding it to the soup.

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