If you love a comforting bowl of soup that combines heartiness with a burst of flavor, then you are going to adore this Savory Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup. This soup brings together tender orzo pasta, creamy cheeses, and the unique tang of banana peppers into one irresistible pot. Each spoonful delivers a cozy yet vibrant mix of textures and tastes, perfect for warming up any day of the year. It’s like your favorite stuffed peppers transformed into a luscious, easy-to-make soup that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Savory Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to nailing this soup’s flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the zingy banana peppers adding brightness to the creamy cheeses creating a velvety texture and the orzo providing delightful bite-sized pasta goodness.

Banana peppers (2 cups diced): Adds a subtle heat and tang that brightens every spoonful.
Green pepper (1/2 cup chopped): Offers sweet crunch and color contrast to the mix.
Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Builds a savory foundation with its aromatic depth.
Mild Italian ground sausage (1 lb): Brings meaty richness to the soup’s body.
Minced garlic (1 heaping tsp): Infuses a fragrant punch that awakens the palate.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used for sautéing to develop a gentle fruitiness in the veggies.
Butter (2 tbsp): Adds warm, creamy undertones and helps prevent burning during cooking.
Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
Evaporated milk (3/4 cup): Lends a subtle creaminess while keeping the soup light.
Shredded Parmesan cheese (1 1/2 cups): Delivers sharp, nutty richness that melts beautifully.
Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed): Smooths and thickens the soup with a luscious texture.
Salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds just the right amount of mild spice.
Dried basil (1 tsp): Introduces a sweet herbal note to the soup’s aroma.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Offers a classic Italian flavor to complement the sausage.
Dried thyme (1/2 tsp): Brings a subtle earthiness that deepens complexity.
Uncooked orzo pasta (1 cup): Tiny pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the soup’s flavors.

How to Make Savory Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers and Onion

Start by cutting the tops off the banana peppers and green pepper, then carefully removing all the seeds to tame the heat while retaining their flavor. Dice both peppers into bite-sized pieces, squeezing in a few reserved slices for garnish later if you like. Finely chop the onion, which will add a lovely sweetness as it cooks. Having these all prepped now will keep your cooking flow smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large stockpot with a light spray of nonstick or a drizzle of oil if you prefer. If your mild Italian sausage is in links, chop it into small pieces so it cooks evenly. Brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with your spoon until it’s nicely cooked through and no longer pink. Then, transfer it out of the pot and set it aside. This searing stage locks in the sausage’s savory goodness for the soup.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Right in the same pot to keep all the tasty browned bits, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, diced banana and green peppers, and minced garlic. Stir these vegetables around for about five minutes until they soften and the onion turns translucent. The blend of butter and olive oil adds richness while preventing any sticking or burning. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible by now!

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Bring the cooked sausage back to the pot with your tender veggies. Pour in the chicken broth and evaporated milk, then turn up the heat to bring it all to a gentle boil, stirring so nothing sticks. Once bubbling, add the shredded Parmesan, cubed cream cheese, salt, black pepper, and the dried herbs—basil, oregano, and thyme. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely creating a silky, flavorful broth that’s the heart of this Savory Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Turn the heat down to medium, cover the pot, and let everything simmer together for about twenty-five minutes. While it simmers, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage all those flavors to meld beautifully. This slow marrying of ingredients results in a thicker, richer consistency that feels cozy and satisfying.

Step 6: Cook the Orzo and Finish the Soup

Now for the magic touch, stir in the uncooked orzo pasta directly into the simmering soup. Keep stirring frequently for about 10 minutes as the pasta cooks until tender and perfectly infused with the creamy broth. The orzo adds a delightful chewiness balancing the softness of the soup’s other components. When ready, serve your Savory Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup with a few reserved pepper slices on top for that final visual pop and zingy flavor boost.

How to Serve Savory Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra shredded Parmesan or a handful of fresh chopped parsley brightens the presentation while adding fresh herbal notes. Don’t shy away from placing a few reserved banana pepper slices on top for a colorful, tangy accent that highlights the star ingredient.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty piece of garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The bread helps soak up the creamy broth, while the salad introduces a refreshing crunch to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls to enhance its comforting vibe. For a fun twist, ladle it into small bread bowls for individual servings that double as a tasty edible vessel. Hosting a gathering? Offer garnishes buffet-style so everyone can customize their bowls to their heart’s content.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to four days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. When thawed, the flavors remain delicious, though the orzo may absorb some of the broth, so expect a slightly thicker texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to bring back that creamy consistency. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water if it gets too thick. Avoid microwaving to maintain the smooth texture of the soup.

FAQs

Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of mild?

Absolutely! Using hot sausage will add a spicier kick to this already flavorful soup. Just be mindful of the overall heat level and adjust the peppers accordingly if you prefer milder flavors.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the Italian sausage for hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the soup will still deliver satisfying, rich flavors.

Can I substitute orzo with another pasta?

You can use small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even tiny elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on cooking time as some pastas may take longer or shorter to cook than orzo.

What can I use if I don’t have evaporated milk?

Regular milk or half-and-half can substitute evaporated milk, but use less liquid overall to keep the creamy texture. Another option is to mix milk with a little heavy cream for richness.

How spicy is the Savory Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup?

The banana peppers provide a mild tangy heat that’s generally gentle on the palate. The level of spiciness can be adjusted by using more or fewer peppers or choosing sweet bell peppers for less kick.

Final Thoughts

This Savory Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup is truly a heartwarming, flavorful dish that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for sharing with loved ones. Its combination of creamy cheese, zesty peppers, and tender pasta makes each bite truly memorable. I encourage you to try this recipe soon — your cozy kitchen moments just got a delicious upgrade!