1-Start by prepping all your ingredients: dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the vegetables like celery and roasted red peppers for smooth cooking. This sets the stage for the flavorful base of your homemade sausage soup. Next, in a large pot over medium heat, brown 1 pound of Italian sausage in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil until it’s fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces to release those rich flavors.

2-Once the sausage is browned, add 1/2 cup diced onions, 2 ribs diced celery, 2 chopped roasted red peppers, 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 3 minced garlic cloves, then sauté for a few minutes until everything is fragrant. At this point, if you’re using it, stir in 1/4 cup white wine to deglaze the pot and boost the taste. This step builds the foundation of your cozy sausage soup.

3-To thicken the soup, create a roux by sprinkling in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and gradually adding some of the 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1/2 cup half and half, stirring until smooth. Pour in the remaining broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add 1/2 cup dried orzo pasta and let it cook until tender, which takes about 8-10 minutes, while stirring occasionally.

4-Finally, stir in 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup thinly sliced spinach, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley to finish the soup, allowing it to thicken naturally. For dietary adaptations, swap in plant-based sausage earlier or use gluten-free pasta when adding orzo. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting results of your Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup right away.