Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe

Once you taste the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup, you’ll see exactly why it’s capturing hearts left and right! This bowl delivers everything you crave — savory Italian sausage, creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant tang, and a rich, velvety base. It’s one of those soups that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, ridiculously satisfying yet so easy to pull together. The balance of flavors is what makes this dish unforgettable, and just one spoonful will leave anyone insisting, “I need this recipe!”

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup lies not only in its irresistible flavors but in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component brings something special — from color to creaminess to that craveable Italian spice. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring a sweet-tangy pop and gorgeous color that brightens every bite.
• Oil from sun-dried tomato jar: Adds a concentrated, herby richness right from the first sauté.
• Italian pork sausage: Hearty and deeply flavorful, it forms the backbone of the soup.
• Yellow onion: For aromatic sweetness that mellows as it cooks.
• Garlic cloves: No Italian-inspired soup is complete without that irresistible garlicky depth.
• Tomato paste: Deepens the color and gives an umami boost to the broth.
• Chicken broth: Forms the savory, sippable foundation that brings everything together.
• Heavy whipping cream: This is what gives the soup its famously creamy, almost dreamy texture.
• Fresh basil: Brings bursts of freshness and an unmistakable Italian aroma. Don’t skip the extra for garnish!
• Kosher salt: Essential for bringing flavors forward and balancing richness.
• Italian seasoning: A lively blend of herbs that ties the sausage, tomatoes, and cream together beautifully.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and an appetizing golden color.
• Orzo: The little pasta that thickens the soup and makes every spoonful fun and filling.
• Fresh baby spinach: Adds a pop of green and makes the dish feel a tad virtuous (plus extra nutrients, always a win).
• Cream cheese: For that next-level silky texture — it melts right in and makes the broth absolutely luscious.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami, salt, and that perfect cheesy finish both in the soup and sprinkled on top.

How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup

Step 1: Sauté Sausage and Aromatics

Begin by heating the lush, herby oil from your sun-dried tomato jar in a large pot over medium-high. Once it shimmers, crumble the Italian sausage into the pot. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is almost fully browned. Then, add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. As they soften, your kitchen will already start to smell like your favorite trattoria — this is the foundation of all that flavor.

Step 2: Intensify with Tomatoes and Paste

Now, stir in the tomato paste and those irresistible chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Keep stirring as the tomato paste darkens slightly and releases its aroma, about two minutes. This caramelization step gives Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup its signature depth and a subtle sweetness right in the background.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the heavy whipping cream for richness. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning blend, and paprika. Stir everything together, then bring it to a gentle boil — you’ll see the top of the soup get bubbly and frothy, which is exactly what you want for infusing flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Once your soup base is boiling, add the uncooked orzo pasta. Lower the heat to medium-low, and let it cook uncovered for about 8 minutes. Stir every so often so the orzo doesn’t stick. You’ll start to notice the soup thickening up beautifully as the pasta releases some of its starch. The orzo should be tender but still have a bit of bite when you sample it.

Step 5: Add Greens and Cheese

Turn the heat down to low, then stir in the coarsely chopped fresh baby spinach, cubed cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir regularly as the cream cheese melts and the spinach wilts into the soup. This is when Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup transforms from delicious to downright decadent — creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of color. Once everything is melted and well-blended, you’re ready to ladle up!

How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup

Garnishes

No bowl of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is complete without a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves on top. The cheese melts in ever so slightly and the basil gives just the right pop of green and fresh, herby aroma. If you like a touch more color, toss on a few slivers of additional sun-dried tomatoes or a drizzle of that tomato oil for a glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out your table, it pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of garlic bread or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. The bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy broth, and the salad offers a cool, crisp counterpoint to the soup’s rich, warming flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup in wide, shallow bowls so the colors and textures can really shine. For a fun twist at dinner parties, ladle it into small mugs or handled soup cups as an appetizer. You can also offer an interactive topping bar with extra Parmesan, basil, red pepper flakes, and a splash of olive oil so guests can personalize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup keeps very well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container; you’ll find the flavors deepen a bit overnight, making leftovers even tastier. If the soup thickens up, just add a splash of broth or water when you reheat.

Freezing

Yes, this soup can be frozen! Let it cool completely before ladling into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. For best texture, freeze for up to two months. The orzo will soak up more liquid as it sits, so when you thaw and reheat, stir in a little broth or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add extra chicken broth, cream, or even a splash of water until you reach your desired texture. If using the microwave, reheat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid scorching the creamy broth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup?

Definitely! Try hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick, or swap in chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version. The key is to use a sausage with great flavor since it’s the star of the soup.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re out of cream cheese or want a lighter option, mascarpone or even a bit of ricotta will give a similar creaminess. Greek yogurt can also work, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

How do I keep the orzo from getting mushy?

Orzo absorbs liquid as it sits, so for best texture, cook it until just al dente and try to serve the soup soon after. If you’re making ahead, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it just before serving to keep it perfectly tender.

Can I make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based sausage and swap in vegetable broth. The soup will still be hearty and flavorful thanks to the sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and creamy ingredients.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

You can substitute the orzo with a gluten-free small pasta shape or even cooked rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed so the grains are tender but not mushy.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you bring a pot of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup to the table, you’ll be fielding recipe requests in no time. It’s rich, filling, and full of playful Italian flavor — truly a soup that wins hearts (and hungry stomachs) every time. Grab your ingredients, invite someone you love to dinner, and see how fast this recipe becomes a favorite in your own home!

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