Italian sausage tomato orzo soup

Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and Italian sausage.
2. Cook, breaking the sausage into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

1. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for a couple of minutes to let the tomato paste cook down and deepen the flavor.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add Orzo and Sausage

1. Stir in the orzo pasta and return the cooked sausage to the pot.
2. Simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
2. Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

• Orzo: If you plan to store leftovers, cook the orzo separately and add it to individual servings, as orzo tends to absorb liquid and may become too soft if stored in the soup.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add a can of white beans or chickpeas for protein.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6):

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: ~18g
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fiber: ~4g

This Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup is a comforting, savory meal that’s perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends. The combination of sausage and orzo creates a hearty soup that’s sure to satisfy!