Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup: 10 Irresistible Comfort Benefits

If you’ve been craving a warm bowl of comfort that tastes like a hug from the inside out, this Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup might just become your new weeknight hero. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, deadlines, or simply trying to get dinner on the table before everyone turns into hangry versions of themselves—we’ve all been there—this soup shows up with big flavor, creamy goodness, and hardly any fuss.

With tender orzo, savory Italian sausage, and those bright, tangy banana peppers stealing the spotlight, this dish is the kind of meal that feels special without requiring a culinary degree or hours in the kitchen. And trust me, as someone who lives and breathes chicken dishes and cozy comfort meals over at Chicken Magic Recipes, this soup captured my heart (and many family dinners) fast.

Let’s dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup

  • Comfort in a bowl: This soup delivers that cozy, homey feeling we all crave after a long day.
  • One-pot simplicity: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor—your future self will thank you.
  • Creamy, hearty goodness: The blend of orzo, sausage, and peppers creates a rich texture that feels indulgent but totally doable on a weeknight.
  • Mild heat with bright flavor: Banana peppers add a gentle tang and subtle kick that keeps every bite exciting, not overwhelming.
  • Family-approved: Even picky eaters love the creamy base and tender pasta; it’s a crowd-pleaser without any extra effort.
  • Perfect for leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully with just a splash of broth, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.
  • Versatile and flexible: Easily adjust the spice, swap the sausage, or use different pasta—this recipe plays well with your preferences.

Ingredients for the Magic

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup to life:

  • 1 heaping tsp minced garlic
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
  • 3/4 tsp Morton’s Coarse Kosher Salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups diced banana peppers
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo (Barilla is great!)

How to Make This Cozy Soup

Step 1: Prep the Peppers and Onion

Start by getting your veggies ready:

  • Cut the tops off the banana peppers and green pepper. Remove seeds.
  • Dice the peppers, saving a few pretty slices for garnish later.
  • Finely chop your onion.

Doing this upfront makes everything else move smoothly—especially helpful when you’ve got hungry people hovering, asking when dinner will be ready.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add nonstick spray or a splash of oil to a large stockpot.

Cook the mild Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. When it’s no longer pink, transfer it to a bowl and set aside.

Pro tip: breaking it up well gives you those perfect little savory bites in every spoonful.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Using the same pot (don’t wash it—those sausage bits are flavor gold):

  • Melt 2 tbsp butter and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Toss in the chopped onion, banana peppers, green pepper, and garlic.
  • Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Cooking the vegetables in both butter and oil gives them richer flavor and helps avoid burning. Plus, your kitchen will smell heavenly—the kind of smell that makes everyone poke their heads in asking, “What are you making?”

Step 4: Build the Creamy Soup Base

Time to make things delicious:

  • Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and evaporated milk.
  • Bring it all to a gentle boil.
  • Add the Parmesan cheese, cream cheese cubes, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and thyme.

Stir until everything melts together into a creamy, dreamy base. Don’t panic if the cream cheese looks stubborn at first—give it a minute. It always melts eventually, kind of like the way we all melt at the sight of a warm, comforting bowl of soup.

Step 5: Let It Simmer

Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and let the soup simmer for 25 minutes.
Stir occasionally so nothing sticks.

During this time, the flavors mingle, deepen, and become the cozy, rich soup you’ll want to make again and again.

Step 6: Add the Orzo and Finish

Stir in the uncooked orzo.

Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and has soaked up some of that creamy broth. If it thickens too much (or if you prefer a looser soup), add a splash more broth.

Garnish with extra pepper slices if you saved some—they add brightness and color.

Tips for the Best Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup

  • Don’t rush the sauté. Those first few minutes with the peppers and onions help build the flavor foundation.
  • Cream cheese trick: Room-temperature cream cheese melts faster and smoother. If you forgot to soften it (we’ve all been there), microwave it in 10-second bursts.
  • Want more heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Want it kid-friendly? Stick to the mild banana peppers.
  • Avoid mushy orzo: Stir often during the last step and serve right away. Orzo loves to absorb liquid like it’s competing in a hydration contest.

This soup became one of my go-to gatherings meals after my kids declared it “the one that doesn’t taste like soup—it tastes like dinner!” A mom couldn’t ask for higher praise.

Creamy bowl of Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup with sausage, orzo, and banana peppers in a wooden bowl.
A warm, creamy bowl of Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup, loaded with tender orzo, sausage, and bright banana peppers.

FAQs About Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells work well, but orzo gives the best texture.

Can I make this soup ahead?

Absolutely. Just store the soup without the orzo and cook the pasta separately. Add it right before serving so it doesn’t drink up all the liquid overnight.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. You may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

Can I use hot banana peppers?

Yes! If you love spice, hot banana peppers will add a great kick.

A Delicious Ending You’ll Crave Again

This Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup is everything a cozy, comforting meal should be—creamy, hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up even on your busiest days. Whether you’re feeding your family, warming up after a long day, or just craving something homemade and comforting, this soup has your back.

Let it simmer on your stove, let it bring everyone to the table, and let it become one of those recipes you make over and over again. Because once you taste it… you’ll understand why it holds a special place in my kitchen at Chicken Magic Recipes.

Ready to bring some comfort to your dinner table? This soup is waiting. Bon appétit!

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup warmed your heart (and your dinner table), here are a few more comforting dishes you might want to dive into next. Each one brings that same soul-hugging flavor and easy, approachable cooking style that makes dinner feel exciting again:

Feel free to explore whichever calls your name first. Each recipe brings its own kind of comfort, and they’re all just as easy and delicious as tonight’s soup.

Print
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Top view of creamy Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup in wooden bowls with sliced yellow peppers and fresh herbs.

Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This creamy Orzo Stuffed Banana Peppers Soup is a cozy, flavor-packed bowl loaded with tender orzo, savory Italian sausage, sweet banana peppers, and melty cheeses. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup Base

  • 1 heaping tsp minced garlic

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk

  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme

  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1 lb mild Italian sausage

  • 3/4 tsp Morton’s Coarse Kosher Salt

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese

  • 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature), cubed

  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

  • 2 cups diced banana peppers

For the Pasta

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo (Barilla recommended)


Instructions

  1. Prep the Vegetables:
    Cut and deseed banana peppers and green pepper. Dice them and finely chop the onion. Set aside.

  2. Brown the Sausage:
    Spray or oil a large stockpot. Cook sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart until no longer pink. Remove from pot and set aside.

  3. Sauté the Vegetables:
    In the same pot, melt butter with olive oil. Add onion, banana peppers, green pepper, and garlic. Sauté 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

  4. Build the Soup Base:
    Return cooked sausage to the pot. Add chicken broth and evaporated milk. Bring to a gentle boil. Stir in Parmesan, cream cheese, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and thyme until smooth and creamy.

  5. Simmer:
    Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  6. Finish with Orzo:
    Add uncooked orzo and cook about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until tender and the soup thickens. Serve warm.

Notes

  • If the soup thickens too much, add extra broth to reach your preferred consistency.

  • For more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or substitute hot banana peppers.

 

  • Leftovers will thicken as the orzo absorbs liquid—add broth before reheating.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 470 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1160 mg
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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