Italian Sausage Orzo Soup
Nothing is quite as satisfying as this Italian Sausage Orzo Soup. Loaded with vegetables and plenty of protein, this will leave you feeling full and comforted.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage spicy or mild based on preference
- 1 white onion finely diced
- 2 celery sticks finely diced
- 2 medium carrots finely diced
- additional veg like potato, squash, zucchini, etc. optional
- ½ tbsp crushed black peppercorns
- ½ tbsp crushed fennel seeds
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasonings basil, parsley, oregano, etc.
- salt to taste
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 12 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup orzo uncooked
- 1 Parmesan rind
- 1 cup spinach packed
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream optional
- freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil optional, for garnish
Recipe Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium high heat. Add your sausage and break into small pieces. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Remove from the pot and place on a plate lined with a paper towel. Drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tbsp.
- Add the celery, onion, carrot, and any other veggies (if using) to the pot. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, crushed pepper, fennel, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasonings. (Add a little oil if necessary). Next, add your minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a low boil. Add dried orzo and Parm rind. Reduce heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring frequently so the orzo doesn't stick.
- Add in spinach and whipping cream (if using). Taste and season with salt if needed. Remove Parmesan rind.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Nutrition
Calories: 316kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 9gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 742mgPotassium: 253mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1175IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 1mg
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