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Italian Sausage Orzo Soup simmering in a white Dutch oven with creamy broth, tender orzo, sausage crumbles, tomatoes, and fresh herbs

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

  1. 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.

  2. Pour in a splash of the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

  3. Add the onion, leek, carrots, celery, zucchini, and garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes, until softened.

  4. Stir in the remaining wine, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and salt. Cook until the liquid reduces slightly.

  5. 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.

  6. While the soup simmers, cook the orzo in a separate pot according to package directions. Drain.

  7. Stir the cooked orzo into the soup, then add the spinach and half-and-half. Mix until the spinach wilts.

  8. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

Cooking the orzo separately helps prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
Leftovers will thicken overnight; add a splash of broth when reheating.
Spicy Italian sausage can be used for extra heat.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg