Creamy Italian Sausage and Orzo Soup
Cozy Up with Creamy Italian Sausage and Orzo Soup!
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And this Creamy Italian Sausage and Orzo Soup is exactly what you need! It’s packed with flavor, surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch. We’ve taken classic Italian flavors and combined them with the satisfying texture of orzo pasta and hearty Italian sausage for a soup that’s both comforting and delicious.
This recipe hits all the right notes – savory sausage, aromatic garlic and onion, tender orzo, and a touch of creaminess that elevates it to something truly special. It’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup, making it even more appealing! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens with the addition of kale.
What makes this soup so good?
- Flavorful Base: Browning the Italian sausage creates a rich, savory base for the entire soup.
- Creamy Texture: The heavy cream adds a luxurious creaminess that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
- Hearty and Filling: The orzo and sausage make this soup substantial enough to be a complete meal.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, carrots, or zucchini to make it your own.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Creamy Italian Sausage and Orzo Soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad also makes a lovely accompaniment. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Yes, you can! Hot Italian sausage will add a little spice, or you could use sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this soup is great for meal prepping! It will actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the orzo may change slightly. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup won’t be as creamy. You could also use a dollop of cream cheese stirred in at the end.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, carrots, zucchini, or even diced tomatoes would all be delicious additions.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Creamy Italian Sausage and Orzo Soup! It’s a recipe you’ll make again and again.
Creamy Italian Sausage and Orzo Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium Yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 8 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Orzo
- 5 oz Kale chopped
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the orzo and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat through.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
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