Sausage Soup(Yield: 12 To 16 Servings)
A hearty, flavorful sausage soup with vegetables, tomatoes, and orzo, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings, with savory herbs and rich broth.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 small zucchini, diced ⓘ
- 2 green bell peppers, diced ⓘ
- 1 c. dry white wine ⓘ
- 10 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes in tomato puree ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked orzo ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove the casings from the sausage and discard.
- Brown sausage in a heavy Dutch oven or large saucepan, mashing it with the back of a spoon until the meat is no longer pink and has rendered most of the fat.
- Spoon out most of the fat from the cooked sausage and discard.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring until soft, but not browned.
- Add carrots, zucchini, peppers, white wine, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano and bring to a boil.
- When the soup is boiling, add the orzo and cook for 20 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve in heavy soup bowls.
- If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over each serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be added for extra flavor. If you prefer a heartier soup, consider adding cannellini beans or spinach. Adjust the thickness by increasing or decreasing the amount of orzo based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sausage soup hot in heavy bowls, and for a delightful touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken And Bean Soup With Parsley for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sausage soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Soup(Yield: 12 To 16 Servings) contains roughly 640 calories, with 13g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (134% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), and calcium (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1018mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made in advance and is perfect for meal prep. Just prepare it up to the point of adding the orzo, then let it cool completely before storing. When you're ready to serve, bring it back to a boil and add the orzo, cooking until tender.
Is it possible to freeze sausage soup?
Absolutely! You can freeze this soup for up to 2-3 months. However, it's best to freeze it without the orzo, as it can become mushy when thawed. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding fresh orzo at that time.
What can I serve with sausage soup?
Sausage soup makes a filling meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience by serving it with a side of garlic bread or a mixed green salad. A crisp white wine pairs well too, complementing the flavors of the soup beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).