Italian Sausage Orzo Soup

As the cooler days approach, there’s nothing quite like a hot bowl of soup to warm the soul and tantalize the taste buds. Today, I’m excited to share a deliciously hearty recipe for Italian Sausage Orzo Soup. This soup combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the comforting texture of orzo pasta, all enveloped in a savory broth that’s perfect for any autumn evening or chilly winter dinner.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces Italian sausage
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare the Sausage: In a large soup pot, sauté the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once browned (about 7-10 minutes), remove the sausage from the pot, drain it on a paper towel-lined plate, and discard all but one tablespoon of the fat from the pot.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Using the remaining fat, add the chopped onion and celery to the pot. Cook these for 4-5 minutes until they’ve softened.
3. Add Flour and Garlic: Stir in the flour and minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute. It’s important to stir constantly during this step to prevent burning.
4. Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring well to ensure the flour is dissolved. Then, add the canned tomatoes with their juices, dried oregano, and return the browned sausage to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil over high heat.
5. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo and cream, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Continue to cook for about 12 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender.
6. Final Touches: If you’re using spinach, stir it into the pot just before serving. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
7. Serve: Serve the soup hot, perfect as a stand-alone meal or paired with crusty bread for dipping.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6

This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that invites warmth into your home. It’s perfect for those days when you need a little extra comfort, and it’s sure to please both family and friends with its robust flavors and satisfying nature. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish and watch it become a new favorite!