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· 4.7 from 26 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy bowl of something hearty yet fresh, you’ve got to try this Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe. It’s the kind of soup that hugs you from the inside out, packed with savory sausage, tender orzo pasta, and bright tomatoes. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a weeknight staple in your kitchen. I’m excited to take you through every step, so you get that perfect balance of flavors and textures every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The spicy-sweet Italian sausage pairs perfectly with the mild orzo and bright tomatoes for a comforting but lively soup.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s a speedy meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or heartiness.
Versatile Base: You can swap ingredients easily or add your favorite veggies to customize it to your liking.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with big flavor — everything simmers together for a soul-warming bowl.

Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo, Italian Sausage Soup, hearty sausage and orzo soup, quick Italian sausage soup, comforting sausage soup recipe - 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

The ingredients in this Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe come together like an old recipe passed down through family — simple and comforting. Each component adds its own special touch, so choosing fresh quality ingredients really makes a difference. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why I love each one.

Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo, Italian Sausage Soup, hearty sausage and orzo soup, quick Italian sausage soup, comforting sausage soup recipe - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pile of fresh Italian sausage meat, half a medium yellow onion diced, two bright green celery ribs chopped, three peeled garlic cloves finely grated, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked orzo pasta, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with bright red diced tomatoes with juice, a small white ceramic bowl of rich golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black peppercorns, fresh sprigs of green parsley placed neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: It adds a fruity base fat to brown the sausage and sauté veggies, bringing out their best flavors.
Italian Sausage: The star of the show! Whether you pick mild or hot, it infuses the soup with savory spices and richness.
Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth once softened.
Celery: For that subtle crunch and earthiness.
Garlic: I like to finely grate it so it blends seamlessly, giving a mellow hint without overpowering.
Orzo Pasta: Its tiny shape cooks quickly and soaks up all the broth’s goodness perfectly.
Tomatoes (diced or crushed): Their acidity brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that makes the soup lush without weighing it down.
Italian Seasoning: This classic blend pulls everything together with herbs like oregano and basil.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning so all flavors shine.
Water (optional): To adjust soup thickness to your liking.

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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 tweaking this Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe to fit whatever mood I’m in or what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — that’s the beauty of soups! Here are some ways I’ve played around that you might enjoy too.

Mild or Hot Sausage: When my kids are around, I opt for mild, but on nights when we crave a kick, I go for the spicy kind — always gets a thumbs-up from us all.
Veggie Boost: Toss in chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of simmering for extra green goodness.
Larger Pasta Swap: If you want more bite, try small shells or ditalini instead of orzo — just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Meatless Version: Swap sausage for Italian-spiced lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian soup.

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

Step 1: Brown that Italian Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in your soup pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers — that’s when you know it’s ready. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns. I like to cook it until it’s nicely caramelized, about 5–7 minutes, which adds amazing depth to the soup. Once browned, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a little fat behind for the veggies. Pro tip: If your sausage releases a lot of grease, drain most of it except about a teaspoon to keep flavor without a greasy soup.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, and your finely grated garlic. Sauté them gently over medium heat until they’re tender and fragrant — about 5 minutes. This step builds your soup’s aromatic base, so don’t rush it! Use this time to clean up or prep your next steps.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked sausage to the pot, then stir in the orzo pasta, canned tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to distribute everything evenly. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. You’ll know it’s done when the orzo is tender but still has a slight chew. If the soup seems too thick, I like to stir in a little water or extra broth to get just the right consistency.

Step 4: Taste and Serve

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or crack of pepper makes all the difference. Ladle it into bowls, then top with fresh parsley, crunchy croutons, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that authentic Italian touch. I promise, the combination is irresistible!

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Pro Tips for Making Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe

Brown the Sausage Well: Don’t rush browning — that caramelization adds rich flavor you can’t fake.
Grate Garlic Instead of Mince: Finely grated garlic melts into the soup better and prevents those sharp garlic bursts.
Stir Often During Simmering: Orzo tends to clump; gentle stirring helps keep it cooking evenly and prevents sticking.
Adjust Liquid When Reheating: Orzo soaks up broth as the soup cools, so add a splash of water or broth when warming leftovers to keep it soupy.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this soup with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Parmesan cheese is a non-negotiable for me — melt that salty, nutty goodness on top and it just elevates the whole bowl. And croutons? Yes please! They add the perfect crunch that contrasts with the tender pasta and sausage.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for brightness. On days when I want to keep it extra cozy, a slice of garlic bread is the perfect companion — great for dunking and soaking up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this soup in rustic bread bowls — it’s impressive and adds edible charm. Another fun idea is to sprinkle some chili flakes on top for guests who like a little extra heat, with a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the soup cool completely, then pop it into airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. I find that the flavors actually meld and deepen after a day or two — bonus! Just remember the orzo will soak up some broth, so you might need to thin it out when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup a couple times and it freezes well, but I recommend undercooking the orzo slightly before freezing so it doesn’t become mushy when reheated. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and label with the date — it keeps in the freezer for about 3 months.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat. I always add a splash of broth or water as it heats to loosen the orzo and refresh the soup’s texture. Stir frequently to heat evenly, then top with fresh cheese or herbs to bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage in this Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage is ideal because of its seasoning, you can swap in chorizo, bratwurst, or even turkey sausage depending on your preference. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift — adjust the Italian seasoning to balance it out.
What can I substitute for orzo in this soup?

If you don’t have orzo handy, small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even acini di pepe are great alternatives. Just adjust cooking time since some shapes might need a bit longer to cook tender.
Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the Sauté function to brown your sausage and veggies. Then add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and pressure cook on high for 0 minutes (for orzo) or 1 minute (for larger pasta). Let it release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the rest of the pressure.
How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?

Keep an eye on the cooking time and stir the soup frequently during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking. Also, if you’re making this ahead or freezing, consider slightly undercooking the orzo so it holds its texture when reheated.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s the kind of comforting meal that makes an ordinary day feel a little warmer. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights yet deliciously satisfying for company. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. So grab your pot, and let’s get cooking — you’re going to love this soup!