Craving a warm and hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and comfort? Look no further than this delightful Italian Chicken Sausage Orzo Soup! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of this savory soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or a quick weeknight dinner. With tender chicken sausage, nutritious spinach, and al dente orzo swimming in a rich broth, each spoonful is a taste of Italy that will leave you wanting more. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced chicken sausages, chicken broth, orzo pasta, chopped spinach, and salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion.
- Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Next, add the sliced chicken sausages to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausages are browned, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally.
- After the orzo is cooked, stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt for about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the chicken broth may already contain salt.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat.
- Serve the Italian Chicken Sausage Orzo Soup hot, garnished with additional spinach or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onion and garlic and slice the chicken sausages in advance. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when you’re ready to cook.
- Customize Your Greens: If you don’t have spinach on hand, feel free to substitute with kale or Swiss chard for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as tougher greens may require a bit longer to wilt.
- Add Extra Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic and before adding the chicken broth. Let it reduce for a minute to enhance the taste.
- Make It Heartier: If you want to make the soup even more filling, toss in some diced carrots or celery along with the onions. They’ll add a nice crunch and additional nutrition.
- Leftover Love: This soup stores well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just be aware that the orzo may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you might need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.
- Garnish for Greatness: Elevate your soup by garnishing it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving. It adds a beautiful finish and an extra burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
