Description

Think of a warm, comforting bowl of Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup that combines the flavors of savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato broth.
With just 30 minutes of cooking time, this Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup is not only quick but also packed with hearty ingredients that make it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ lb. Italian sausage links (casings removed, rolled into bite-sized pieces)
½ cup red onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
2 stalks celery (chopped)
1 cup whole wheat orzo pasta
6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
30 oz diced tomatoes (2 x 15-oz cans)
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground fennel
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper to taste

Optional Additions

Fresh spinach or kale (for added nutrition)
Shaved Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Croutons (for a crunchy topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Remove the sausage from its casings and roll into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, chop the celery, and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage

In a 3.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil and heat until shimmering (about 1-2 minutes).
Add the sausage pieces and sauté until lightly browned. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

To the same pot, add onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté until fragrant and slightly tender, stirring as needed for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Add orzo pasta to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the orzo is lightly toasted. This step enhances the flavor of the soup.

Step 5: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, oregano, fennel, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well to combine.

Step 6: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente (about 10 minutes).

Step 7: Add Back the Sausage

Halfway through cooking, add the sausage back into the pot. Allow it to simmer with the soup to let the flavors meld.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the soup warm, garnished with shaved Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality sausage: The sausage is the star ingredient, so opt for good-quality Italian sausage to ensure the best flavor.
Make it vegetarian: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Adjust the spice level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.