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Let me share my favorite cozy soup recipe that's become our family's go-to comfort meal! This Italian Sausage Orzo Soup came about on a chilly evening when I was craving something warm and satisfying. Now it's the recipe everyone asks for when the weather turns cold. The creamy tomato broth and tender orzo with that amazing Italian sausage just warms you right up!
Why You Need This Recipe
What makes this soup so special is how everything comes together in one pot creating the most incredible flavors! I love how the orzo soaks up all that rich broth and the spinach adds such beautiful color. Plus it's one of those recipes that somehow tastes even better the next day!
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Good Italian sausage I use Johnsonville.
- Fresh onion and celery for that flavor base.
- Plenty of fresh garlic.
- Just a bit of flour to make it creamy.
- Rich chicken broth.
- A can of diced tomatoes.
- Orzo pasta it's like tiny rice!
- Heavy cream for that velvety finish.
- Fresh spinach leaves.
- Dried oregano for that Italian touch.
Let's Make It Together
- Start With The Sausage
- Get it nice and brown that's where the flavor starts!
- Build The Base
- Those veggies and garlic will make your kitchen smell amazing.
- Create The Broth
- Add our liquids and watch it come together.
- Add Our Stars
- In goes the orzo and cream pure magic happening.
- Finish With Fresh
- That spinach wilts in beautifully at the end!
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Mix It Up
Sometimes I use spicy sausage when we're feeling adventurous or swap in kale for the spinach. If you're avoiding dairy coconut milk works surprisingly well! And a pinch of red pepper flakes never hurts!
Perfect Pairings
We love dunking crusty bread into this soup! Add a simple green salad on the side and you've got the perfect meal. On extra special nights I'll make some garlic bread too it's heaven!
Keeping It Fresh
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for a few days just reheat it gently. If you want to freeze it leave out the orzo cream and spinach until you're ready to serve. That way everything stays perfect!
Good For Any Time
Whether it's a busy Tuesday night or you're having friends over this soup never disappoints. It's that perfect combination of easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why cook orzo separately for leftovers?
- Orzo continues to absorb liquid over time. Cooking it separately prevents it from becoming too soft and allows better control of the soup's consistency.
- → Can I use a different cream?
- Heavy cream is necessary as lower-fat alternatives may curdle due to the tomatoes' acidity and high cooking temperature.
- → What type of sausage works best?
- Any Italian sausage works - either ground meat or removed from casings. Sweet or spicy varieties both work well.
- → Is the spinach necessary?
- Spinach is optional but adds nutrition and color. The soup is delicious with or without it.
- → Why stir the orzo frequently?
- Frequent stirring prevents the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures even cooking.