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
For the Soup Base
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1 heaping tsp minced garlic
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 tsp dried oregano
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3/4 cup evaporated milk
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 cup chopped green pepper
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2 tbsp butter
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 lb mild Italian sausage
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3/4 tsp Morton’s Coarse Kosher Salt
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
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8 oz cream cheese (room temperature), cubed
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1/2 tsp ground black pepper
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2 cups diced banana peppers
For the Pasta
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1 cup uncooked orzo (Barilla recommended)
Instructions
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Prep the Vegetables:
Cut and deseed banana peppers and green pepper. Dice them and finely chop the onion. Set aside. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Simmer:
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Finish with Orzo:
Add uncooked orzo and cook about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until tender and the soup thickens. Serve warm.
Notes
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If the soup thickens too much, add extra broth to reach your preferred consistency.
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For more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or substitute hot banana peppers.
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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