Let me share my cozy twist on the viral Marry Me Chicken - this incredible Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup. I created this one-pot wonder when I was craving something hearty but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of Italian sausage creamy broth and tender orzo with those amazing sun-dried tomatoes creates pure comfort in a bowl.
Why This Soup Shines
What I love most about this soup is how it combines rich satisfying flavors with easy preparation. The Italian sausage adds this amazing depth while the creamy broth gets all these layers of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and roasted peppers. Plus everything happens in one pot which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy.
What You'll Need
- Italian Sausage: One pound mild hot or sweet you choose I love using the ground kind
- Orzo: Just one cup this tiny pasta is perfect in soup
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Get the ones in oil they have so much more flavor
- Roasted Red Peppers: They add this lovely sweetness
- Chicken Broth: I use low sodium so I can control the salt
- Half-and-Half: Makes everything creamy and delicious
- Aromatics: Onion celery and fresh garlic build our flavor base
- Italian Seasoning: My favorite blend of herbs
- Flour: Just a bit to thicken things up
- Parmesan: Fresh grated makes such a difference
- Fresh Spinach and Parsley: They add color and freshness
Let's Make It Together
- Sausage First
- Get that sausage nice and brown leave all those good bits in the pot they're pure gold for flavor.
- Build The Base
- Cook those veggies in the sausage drippings until they're soft and fragrant.
- Make It Creamy
- Sprinkle in flour stir in garlic and seasonings then slowly add your liquids.
- Pasta Time
- Add the orzo and let it simmer keep stirring so it doesn't stick.
- Bring It Home
- Off the heat stir in your greens cream and cheese. Let it rest to thicken up before serving.
Make It Your Own
This soup is so flexible. Sometimes I'll use different pasta or add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. Want it spicier? Use hot Italian sausage or add some red pepper flakes. You can even adjust how creamy it is by playing with the amount of half-and-half.
Keep It Fresh
Leftovers will keep nicely in the fridge for about three days. When you're ready to reheat just warm it gently on the stove adding a splash of broth if needed. Skip freezing this one though dairy and pasta can get a bit funny when frozen.
My Best Tips
Use the best ingredients you can find especially for the parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. Don't rush browning that sausage those crispy bits add so much flavor. Keep stirring while the orzo cooks it loves to stick to the bottom. And wait until the end to adjust your seasoning the sausage and cheese bring plenty of salt.
Why Everyone Loves It
This soup just works whether you're feeding a family or hosting friends. That creamy broth and those Italian flavors make it feel special but it's still totally comforting. Plus it's so easy to throw together even on busy weeknights.
Perfect Any Time
I make this soup year round. It's cozy enough for cold nights but not too heavy for warmer months. Serve it as a casual family dinner or dress it up for company either way it's always a hit.
The Story Behind It
When that Marry Me Chicken trend went viral I knew I had to put my own spin on it. Taking those amazing flavors and turning them into a soup was one of my best kitchen decisions. It's like bringing a little bit of Tuscany right into your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why does the orzo need frequent stirring?
- Orzo tends to sink and stick to the bottom of the pot. Frequent stirring prevents it from sticking and scorching, ensuring even cooking.
- → Can I use different sausage varieties?
- Yes, you can use mild or hot Italian sausage, or even turkey Italian sausage. Just ensure it's raw, crumbly sausage meat, not pre-cooked links.
- → Why deglaze the pot?
- Deglazing with wine or broth releases the flavorful browned bits from cooking the sausage, adding depth to the final soup.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- The soup can be made ahead, but the orzo will continue to absorb liquid. You may need to add more broth when reheating.
- → What if I can't find sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
- Dried tomatoes can be rehydrated in water for an hour before using. They'll provide similar flavor to oil-packed ones.