I love preparing this Italian Sausage Soup that marries the tang of crushed tomatoes with savory spicy Italian sausage and tender orzo. The burst of spinach and aromatic garlic elevates every bite, inspiring me to explore fresh twists on a classic that brings family and friends together over a memorable meal.

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I’ve recently been playing around with a new twist on an Italian classic that I think you’ll really like. My Italian Sausage & Orzo Soup is a quick one pot wonder that literally comes together in 20 minutes.

I start by browning 1 lb of spicy Italian sausage (I always make sure to remove the casing) in 1 tbsp of olive oil until it’s nicely browned. Then I toss in a diced medium yellow onion and 3 garlic cloves, minced to perfection.

After a few minutes, I add a can of crushed tomatoes and 4 cups of chicken broth which helps create a really rich tomato base. Once the orzo and baby spinach join the party, you can quickly see where I drew inspiration from other great Italian sausage orzo recipes.

Its dynamic flavors and hearty ingredients make it a recipe thats perfect for a fast, filling meal any day.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s quick and easy to whip up, and honestly, I dont have a lot of time for complicated meals. I also love how it comes together in one pot which means less dishes to worry about when I’m done cooking. The spicy Italian sausage adds a kick of flavor that totally makes it stand out, and the mixture of tomatoes, orzo and spinach just hits the spot every time. Lastly, i really appreciate that even though its simple, it still feels like a really hearty and comforting dish.

Ingredients

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Spicy Italian sausage: rich in protein and healthy fats, adds a bold flavor punch.
Olive oil: provides good unsaturated fats and enhances the dish without overpowering it.
Yellow onion: naturally sweet and rich in fibre, gives a mild aromatic base.
Garlic: offers a pungent kick and is known for immune boosting benefits.
Crushed tomatoes: bring bright acidic notes, loaded with vitamins and a touch of sweetness.
Chicken broth: a savory liquid base that melds all flavors for a comforting soup.
Orzo: a starchy carb that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
Baby spinach: loaded with nutrients, adds fresh color and texture to the bowl.
Salt and pepper: essential seasonings providing a balanced, savory kick throughout.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb spicy Italian sausage (remove the casing if needed)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cups baby spinach

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Heat a large pot on medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Remove the casing from the spicy Italian sausage if needed and crumble it into the pot, cooking until it’s nicely browned.

2. Add the diced yellow onion to the pot and saute it with the sausage for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

4. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes along with the 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Once the soup is simmering, add the 1 cup of orzo pasta. Let it cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.

6. When the orzo is cooked, stir in the 4 cups of baby spinach and let it wilt for a couple of minutes.

7. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

8. Give the soup a good stir, taste it again and adjust the seasonings if needed.

9. Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy your one pot Italian sausage soup with orzo hot!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot that can hold all your ingredients
2. A stove or burner set to medium-high heat
3. A sharp knife for chopping onions and garlic
4. A cutting board for prepping veggies
5. Measuring cups and spoons for liquids and oil
6. A can opener for the crushed tomatoes
7. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
8. A ladle for serving the hot soup

FAQ

Q: Can I use a mild sausage instead of spicy Italian sausage?

A: Yes, you can totally swap spicy sausage for a milder kind if you dont like too much heat. Just keep in mind the flavor might be a bit different.

Q: Do I really have to remove the casing from the sausage?

A: Its usually best to remove the casing so that the meat crumbles more evenly throughout the soup, but if you forget it wont ruin the recipe.

Q: Can I substitute kale or another leafy green for the baby spinach?

A: Sure, you can use kale or other greens. Just note that kale might need a little more time to get soft than spinach does.

Q: Is it possible to use regular pasta instead of orzo?

A: Yeah, you can use a different type of pasta if youre in a pinch, though orzo is great cause it cooks quickly and fits in well with the soup.

Q: How long does it take to make this soup?

A: The whole process takes around 30 mins from start to finish, which makes it a pretty speedy meal when you need something hearty fast.

Italian Sausage & Orzo Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have spicy Italian sausage, try substituting with ground turkey sausage or even pork sausage for a milder taste
If olive oil isn’t available, you can use canola or avocado oil as a good replacement
If chicken broth is missing, vegetable broth works pretty well in its place
If you cant find orzo pasta, small shells or ditalini are a good swap
If baby spinach is out, kale or Swiss chard can be used instead for a similar leafy green feel

Pro Tips

1) Make sure you really brown the sausage so it gets a nice sear before adding anything else. It really boosts the flavor and makes the whole dish richer.
2) When you’re cooking the onions and garlic, watch them closely cuz garlic burns fast. A little burnt garlic can ruin the taste, so stir it in just at the right time.
3) Keep an eye on the orzo pasta while it cooks. I like to undercook it slightly since it keeps on simmering in the broth, and that way it doesn’t get mushy.
4) Taste and season as you go. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper makes all the difference, so don’t be afraid to adjust the flavors right before serving.

Italian Sausage & Orzo Soup Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

400

kcal

Equipment: 1. A large pot that can hold all your ingredients
2. A stove or burner set to medium-high heat
3. A sharp knife for chopping onions and garlic
4. A cutting board for prepping veggies
5. Measuring cups and spoons for liquids and oil
6. A can opener for the crushed tomatoes
7. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
8. A ladle for serving the hot soup

Ingredients

1 lb spicy Italian sausage (remove the casing if needed)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
4 cups baby spinach
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Heat a large pot on medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Remove the casing from the spicy Italian sausage if needed and crumble it into the pot, cooking until it’s nicely browned.
Add the diced yellow onion to the pot and saute it with the sausage for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes along with the 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Once the soup is simmering, add the 1 cup of orzo pasta. Let it cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
When the orzo is cooked, stir in the 4 cups of baby spinach and let it wilt for a couple of minutes.
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Give the soup a good stir, taste it again and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy your one pot Italian sausage soup with orzo hot!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.