Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup: A Recipe So Good, It’s Practically Proposal-Worthy!
Okay, let’s be real. We’ve all seen (or maybe even attempted!) the infamous “Marry Me Chicken.” The concept is simple: a dish so incredibly delicious, it supposedly guarantees a proposal from anyone who tastes it. But what if chicken isn’t your thing? Or what if you’re just looking for a cozy, comforting, and equally impressive alternative? Enter: **Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup.**
This isn’t just any soup. It’s a creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying bowl of pure comfort. The combination of Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a decadent creamy broth will have you making this recipe on repeat. And who knows, it might just work its magic!
## Why This Soup is Proposal-Worthy
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s break down why this soup is so irresistible:
* **Flavor Bomb:** Italian sausage provides a savory and slightly spicy base, perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes add depth and complexity.
* **Creamy Dreamy:** The cream cheese and heavy cream create a luxuriously creamy broth that coats every spoonful of orzo and sausage. It’s pure indulgence in a bowl.
* **Textural Delight:** The combination of the chewy sausage, tender orzo, slightly wilted spinach, and the creamy broth offers a delightful textural experience.
* **Comfort Food Perfection:** This soup is warm, comforting, and satisfying, making it the perfect dish for a chilly evening or any time you need a little pick-me-up.
* **Relatively Easy:** Despite its impressive flavor profile, this soup is surprisingly easy to make. It comes together in about 45 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
## Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup Recipe
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s a detailed recipe to create your own proposal-worthy Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup:
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes
**Total time:** 45 minutes
**Serves:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup orzo pasta
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
**Equipment:**
* Large Dutch oven or soup pot
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife and cutting board
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Brown the Sausage**
* Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
* Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there are no pink bits remaining. The browning of the sausage is key for adding a lot of flavor to the soup!
* Remove the sausage from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**
* Drain off any excess grease from the pot, leaving about a tablespoon of flavorful sausage fat behind. If there isn’t enough fat, add a little more olive oil.
* Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
**Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth**
* Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This will help release their flavor.
* Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – this is where a lot of flavor resides!
**Step 4: Cook the Orzo**
* Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
**Step 5: Add Spinach and Sausage**
* Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
* Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
**Step 6: Make it Creamy!**
* Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the broth is smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
* Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
**Step 7: Season and Serve**
* Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage and broth already contain salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
* Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil (if using) and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Sausage:** Feel free to use any type of Italian sausage you prefer. Sweet sausage will give the soup a milder flavor, while hot sausage will add a spicy kick. You can also use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a healthier option.
* **Orzo:** If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe.
* **Spinach:** Kale or other leafy greens can be used instead of spinach. Just be sure to cook them a little longer until they are tender.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** If you don’t have oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you can use dry-packed ones. Just rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before chopping.
* **Broth:** Chicken broth is the standard choice, but you can also use vegetable broth or even beef broth for a different flavor profile.
* **Spice:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion.
* **Make it richer:** Add a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the aromatics for a deeper, richer flavor.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or coconut milk. Be aware that this will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the soup.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors of the soup.
## Make Ahead and Storage
* **Make Ahead:** You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo may absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating.
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** While you *can* freeze this soup, the creamy texture may change upon thawing. The orzo can also become a bit mushy. If you do freeze it, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Serving Suggestions
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the creamy broth.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any soup.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
* **Grilled Cheese:** A classic pairing! A grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect comfort food accompaniment to this soup.
* **Wine Pairing:** A light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would pair well with this soup.
## The Legend of the “Marry Me” Dish
The origin of the “Marry Me” moniker is somewhat shrouded in mystery, but the general consensus is that it started with a recipe so delicious, it purportedly led to a marriage proposal after the first bite. While the exact recipe that started it all is debated (chicken seems to be the most common), the underlying principle remains the same: create a dish that is so incredibly delicious and satisfying that it leaves a lasting impression.
This Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup definitely fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your loved ones. Whether you’re hoping for a proposal or simply want to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal, this soup is a must-try!
## Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: the Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup recipe that’s guaranteed to impress (and maybe even lead to a proposal!). It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly comforting. Give it a try and let us know what you think! We’re confident that you’ll love it as much as we do.
Now go forth and create some culinary magic! And don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #MarryMeSoup.
Enjoy!