Name: Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 pound Italian Sausage (mild or hot), casings removed if using links; ½ medium Onion, diced (about 1 cup); 2 ribs Celery, diced; 3 cloves Garlic, finely grated; ½ cup Orzo Pasta (uncooked), or 1 cup larger pasta type; 2 (14.5-ounce cans) Tomatoes (diced or crushed), undrained; 4 cups Chicken Broth; 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; ½ teaspoon Sea Salt, or more to taste; ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper; Water, as needed to adjust consistency; Fresh parsley; Croutons; Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 33 reviews

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious, you’re going to love this Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe. It’s that magic kind of soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day but comes together pretty quickly, too. I’ve made this a bunch of times when I need something cozy yet satisfying, and I can’t wait to share all my tips so *you* nail it just right!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and orzo pasta creates a flavorful, filling soup without fuss.
Balanced Texture: Tender veggies, savory sausage, and slightly chewy orzo give every spoonful wonderful contrast.
Quick and Flexible: Ready in about 30 minutes with easy swaps to suit what you have on hand.
Great for Leftovers: Keeps well and tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prep.

Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo, hearty sausage and orzo soup, comforting Italian sausage soup, easy sausage and orzo recipe, flavorful sausage soup - A white pot filled with a thick tomato soup that has three visible layers: a bright red tomato base with a smooth texture, mixed with small chunks of cooked ground meat in brown color, and short, oval-shaped pieces of light yellow pasta scattered throughout. A black ladle scoops some soup near the center, showing all three layers together with a shiny, moist texture. The pot is on a white marbled surface with a black-and-white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe plays a star role, bringing together comforting flavors and lovely textures. When shopping, I always pick good-quality Italian sausage and fresh veggies to keep it authentic and tasty.

Olive Oil: Use good extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor and a nice base for sautéing.
Italian Sausage: Mild or hot, whichever you prefer. Removing the casing helps the sausage crumble nicely into the soup.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down.
Celery: Gives a gentle crunch and freshness that balances the richness.
Garlic: A must for that classic savory punch — finely grated is best for even flavor distribution.
Orzo Pasta: Its small size cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors perfectly.
Tomatoes: Canned diced or crushed bring acidity and body, making the broth vibrant.
Chicken Broth: The warm, flavorful base that ties all ingredients together.
Italian Seasoning: A simple blend like oregano, basil, and thyme enhances that Italian soul.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to brighten and balance the whole soup.
Water: For adjusting consistency just the way you like it.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe my own depending on what I’m craving or what’s in season. Trust me, feel free to adjust things—it’s all about making the soup your favorite version.

Spice it Up: I often swap mild sausage for hot to give it an extra kick when I want cozy with a bit of heat.
Veggie Boost: Sometimes I add chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes for some greens—great for sneaking more veggies in!
Swap Pasta: If you don’t have orzo, small pasta like ditalini works well too, just adjust the cooking time a bit.
Make it Creamy: For a richer texture, stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half just before serving. I do this when guests come over—they love the indulgence.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Warm up and Brown the Sausage

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high in a large soup pot until shimmering, which usually takes a minute or two. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns. You want nice little crispy bits for extra flavor, so don’t rush—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, scoop the sausage onto a plate using a slotted spoon and set it aside. Pro tip: leaving a little fat in the pot really boosts the flavor of the rest of the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Drain off excess grease but keep about a teaspoon to sauté your diced onion, celery, and finely grated garlic. Cook these until tender and fragrant, around 5 minutes. This step creates a wonderful flavor base, so be patient here! Stir often to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 3: Build the Soup

Return the browned sausage to the pot, then add uncooked orzo, canned tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, then bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat to medium-low and let your soup simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the orzo doesn’t stick together or to the pot. You’re aiming for the orzo to be tender but not mushy. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up—this flexibility lets you get the perfect consistency every time.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Ladle your warm soup into bowls and get ready for those finishing touches I’ll talk about below. This is the moment where your kitchen starts smelling like heaven, trust me.

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Pro Tips for Making Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe

Avoid Mushy Orzo: Keep stirring a few times while simmering and watch the time carefully—overcooked orzo ruins the texture.
Brown That Sausage Well: Don’t rush the browning step; those crispy edges add layers of flavor you can’t get otherwise.
Adjust Consistency After Cooling: Orzo swells more after sitting, so add broth or water when reheating to return the soup to the perfect thickness.
Try Pressure Cooker Shortcut: I use this technique when I’m short on time—pressure cook for zero or one minute and then do a natural release to perfectly cook the pasta.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my bowls with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, homemade croutons for crunch, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese that melts beautifully on the hot soup. These simple add-ons make the experience feel extra special every time.

Side Dishes

To keep things comforting and Italian-inspired, I love serving this soup alongside garlic bread or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. If it’s a chilly night, some roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed greens are also fantastic to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve the soup in rustic bread bowls—it’s fun and makes the meal feel cozy and inviting. Another favorite is layering the soup in clear mugs so you can see all those colorful ingredients—it’s surprisingly pretty and perfect for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, I let the soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps well for about five days, which is great for weekday lunches or quick dinners. Just give it a good stir before heating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup in smaller portions several times with great results. When you defrost, the orzo might soak up a lot of liquid, so don’t be surprised if you need to add some broth or water while reheating to keep that perfect soup consistency.

Reheating

Reheating on the stove over low to medium heat works best for me. Add a little chicken broth or water as needed, and stir gently until warmed through. Microwave is fine too, just remember to add liquid and stir halfway through to keep things evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage for this Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even spicy chorizo for a different flavor profile. Just adjust seasoning to taste since some sausages are saltier or spicier than Italian sausage.
What can I substitute for orzo in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small shells work well. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some pasta takes longer to become tender.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?

Keep a close eye on the simmering time and stir often so the orzo cooks evenly without sticking. Remove the soup from heat as soon as the pasta is al dente, since it will continue absorbing liquid while sitting.
Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker?

Definitely! Use the sauté setting to brown sausage and veggies, then add ingredients, seal, and cook on high pressure for zero to one minute depending on your pasta. Let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before quick releasing to ensure perfect orzo.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s reliable, tasty, and warms you from the inside out. It’s one of those recipes I reach for when I want to impress guests but keep things simple or just treat my family on a cozy night in. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s both delicious and surprisingly easy, and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to soups, just like it did for me.