Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe

If you have never tried Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup, you are in for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This soup is a brilliant marriage of hearty Italian sausage, creamy tomato-infused broth, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant fresh spinach, all brought together with a touch of basil and Parmesan that literally makes you want to say “Marry me” to every spoonful. It’s comfort food that’s elegant enough to serve for guests but cozy enough to enjoy any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but powerful, each playing a crucial role in creating the rich, layered flavors that define the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup. From the savory sausage to the fresh basil, every element adds heart, depth, or a pop of freshness.

• 3/4 cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs: Adds a sweet-tart intensity and beautiful color in every bite.
• 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar: Packed with flavor, this oil carries the essence of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs directly into the soup base.
• 1 pound mild Italian pork sausage: The star protein that brings a savory, spiced richness to the dish.
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped: Builds a sweet, aromatic foundation with every soft bite.
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced: Offers a punch of warm, fragrant depth that complements the sausage.
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato notes and thickens the broth beautifully.
• 8 cups chicken broth: The hearty liquid base that ties all ingredients together with savory warmth.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Provides lush creaminess that smooths and softens the soup.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil: Introduces a fragrant herbal freshness that lights up the entire dish.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Adds classic Mediterranean herb notes to boost authenticity.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings mild smokiness and subtle color warmth.
• 8 ounces uncooked orzo: Tender, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up the rich broth and makes each spoonful comforting.
• 3 cups packed fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped: Adds vibrant green color and a mild, fresh bite.
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature: Melts smoothly in the soup to add velvety texture and tang.
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty finish that elevates every spoonful.

How to Make Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating the flavorful oil from your sun-dried tomatoes in a large pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the mild Italian sausage, breaking it up gently with your spoon or spatula. Cook until the sausage is just about fully browned, roughly 5 minutes. Then toss in the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and become wonderfully fragrant—this will take around another 5 minutes. This step is where your soup’s base flavor develops, so resist rushing it!

Step 2: Develop the Tomato Base

Next, stir in the tomato paste and coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Keep stirring as the tomato paste deepens in color and becomes fragrant, about 2 minutes. This is what gives your soup that signature rich and slightly sweet undertone that you will fall in love with.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream, then sprinkle in chopped fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Bring the whole mixture to a lively boil over medium heat. You’ll notice the top becoming bubbly and frothy—that’s your cue that the flavors are marrying beautifully after about 12 minutes of gentle cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo Pasta

Once boiling, add the uncooked orzo pasta to the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender but still has a bit of bite—this usually takes about 8 minutes. The pasta will soak up the creamy broth, making the soup heartier and more satisfying.

Step 5: Finish with Cream Cheese, Spinach, and Parmesan

Finally, lower the heat to low. Gently stir in the fresh spinach, cubed cream cheese, and grated Parmesan. Cook and stir often as the cream cheese melts into silky, luscious creaminess and the spinach wilts, taking only about 5 minutes. This finishing touch amps up the body and color of the soup, giving the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup its irresistible, dreamy texture.

How to Serve Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves on top make this soup look as good as it tastes. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and that aromatic lift that catches the eye and nose right away.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread. A leafy green salad with vinaigrette is a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy, hearty soup. For a more indulgent touch, creamy polenta or cheesy focaccia can make your meal feel truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic earthenware bowls for a cozy, homey vibe or in clear glass mugs to showcase the vibrant colors of the sausage, orzo, and spinach layers. You can even ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation that wows guests or makes weeknight dinners more exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld and develop overnight, making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but note that the cream and spinach may slightly change texture. To freeze, cool the soup completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to reincorporate the cream and keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water if it feels too thick after freezing or fridge storage.

FAQs

Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Using spicy sausage will add a nice kick to the soup, which can be lovely if you enjoy a bit of heat. Just be mindful of the salt level and adjust seasonings accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian version of Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup?

While the classic recipe revolves around sausage, you can easily swap with plant-based sausage alternatives or even roasted vegetables and mushrooms for a delicious meatless version that still packs tons of flavor.

Can I substitute orzo with another pasta?

Yes! Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or even small shells work well. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is perfectly tender without overcooking.

What can I do if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you lack cream cheese, try mascarpone or a good-quality ricotta to maintain that creamy texture. Alternatively, omit it and add a bit more heavy cream or Parmesan for richness.

How thick or thin should the soup be?

The soup should be creamy yet still broth-forward—not too thick like a stew. The orzo absorbs some liquid, so the broth balance is essential to keep it silky and spoonable without feeling gloopy.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup, it will quickly become a staple in your home cooking rotation. It’s comfort food elevated with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that always hit the spot. Whether you’re cooking for your family or wanting to impress friends, this soup will keep everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even a marriage proposal to the cook!

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