Description
This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup is rich, cozy, and full of flavor. Made with savory Italian sausage, tender orzo, vegetables, and a lightly creamy tomato broth, it’s the perfect comfort soup for busy weeknights or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces mild Italian sausage, ground or casings removed
- 1/4 cup red wine, divided
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 leek, chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 small zucchini, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or seasoned salt
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup fresh spinach, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup half-and-half
- Grated Parmigiano Reggiano, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in a splash of the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the onion, leek, carrots, celery, zucchini, and garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the remaining wine, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and salt. Cook until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.
- While the soup simmers, cook the orzo in a separate pot according to package directions. Drain.
- Stir the cooked orzo into the soup, then add the spinach and half-and-half. Mix until the spinach wilts.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Italian Sausage Orzo Soup, soup, Italian, comfort food