Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

When you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting soup, this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup is exactly what you need! Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and colorful vegetables, this soup is the perfect combination of cozy and satisfying. The rich, herby tomato broth ties everything together, making it a meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or when you’re craving something delicious and warming.

The best part? It all comes together in one pot, making it as easy to clean up as it is to devour. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Hearty and Filling: With sausage, orzo, and veggies, this soup is a complete meal in one bowl.
Rich in Flavor: Italian sausage and a tomato-herb broth pack every bite with bold, savory flavors.
Quick and Easy: It comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Versatile: Easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

What Does Italian Sausage Orzo Soup Taste Like?

This soup has a rich, tomato-based broth flavored with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. The Italian sausage adds a smoky, savory depth of flavor, while the orzo pasta soaks up the broth, creating a tender, hearty texture. With each spoonful, you’ll enjoy a balance of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and vibrant vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

Italian sausage (1 lb, hot or mild, casings removed)
Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed)
Onion (1 medium, diced)
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

Carrots (2, diced)
Celery (2 stalks, diced)
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz)
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon)
Chicken or vegetable broth (6 cups)
Bay leaf (1)
Dried basil (1 teaspoon)
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
Paprika (½ teaspoon, optional)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Orzo pasta (¾ cup, uncooked)

Optional Add-Ins and Garnishes:

Spinach or kale (2 cups, chopped, added at the end)
Parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
Crusty bread or breadsticks (for serving)

Tools You’ll Need

Large soup pot or Dutch oven (to cook the soup).
Wooden spoon (for stirring).
Ladle (for serving).
Sharp knife and cutting board (for prepping vegetables).

How to Make Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
If needed, drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot. If your sausage is lean, you may need to add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, basil, oregano, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add the Orzo and Greens

Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
If using spinach or kale, add it during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to wilt.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or basil. Serve hot with crusty bread or breadsticks.

Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Add the orzo just before serving and cook until al dente, as it will continue to soften in the hot broth.
Use Quality Sausage: Italian sausage is the star of the soup, so choose a good-quality sausage for the best flavor.
Customize Your Greens: Spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard work beautifully in this soup—use whatever you have on hand.
Freeze Without Orzo: If you plan to freeze the soup, leave out the orzo and add it fresh when reheating.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let the soup cool completely (preferably without orzo), then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any small pasta, such as ditalini, acini di pepe, or small shells. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables, beans, or plant-based sausage for a hearty twist.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the soup for an extra kick.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the sausage and vegetables first, then transfer everything (except the orzo and greens) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the orzo and greens during the last 20-30 minutes.

Conclusion

There you have it—Italian Sausage Orzo Soup, a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Packed with bold flavors, tender orzo, and colorful veggies, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a family favorite.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your photos on Pinterest. And if you’re looking for more cozy soup recipes, check out my creamy chicken gnocchi soup or tomato basil soup—you’ll love them!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Enjoy every warm, savory spoonful of this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup—it’s comfort food at its finest! 🍲😊