Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and rich tomatoes makes it a filling and delicious soup.
Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then add the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Orzo:
- Add the orzo pasta to the soup and stir well.
- Let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed some of the soup’s flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Sausage and Greens:
- Once the orzo is cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot.
- Add the fresh spinach or kale (if using) and stir until wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Make it more hearty: Add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or celery to increase the flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers: The orzo will absorb a lot of liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a little more broth when reheating the soup.
- Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
This Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup is a warming, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
