Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal inspired by the viral “marry me” flavor trend. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a rich garlicky broth, this soup delivers bold flavor and cozy texture in every spoonful. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort dinner that feels both hearty and restaurant-worthy.
Key Takeaways
• Creamy one-pot comfort soup
• Inspired by the viral “marry me” flavor trend
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Hearty, filling, and family-friendly
• Perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup combines everything people love about creamy pasta dishes with the warmth of a cozy soup. The sausage adds deep flavor, while orzo creates a satisfying texture similar to risotto. Sun-dried tomatoes bring tangy richness, and spinach adds freshness, making this meal comforting without feeling too heavy.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until browned. - Cook aromatics
Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add broth and pasta
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in orzo pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Add sun-dried tomatoes
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavors. - Make it creamy
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. - Add spinach
Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. - Adjust seasoning
Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. - Serve warm
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
Use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Add mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
Substitute kale for spinach if preferred.
Add extra broth when reheating since orzo absorbs liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad. This soup also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables for a complete comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with additional broth or water to loosen the soup.
Not ideal for freezing due to pasta texture.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 480 per serving
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Why is it called “Marry Me” soup?
The rich, creamy, and flavorful profile is inspired by viral recipes said to be “marriage-worthy.”
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add extra broth when reheating since orzo absorbs liquid.
Can I use another pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well.
Is the soup spicy?
Only mildly spicy if using red pepper flakes; adjust to taste.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort meal — creamy, hearty, and packed with bold flavor. With savory sausage, tender pasta, and a rich garlicky broth, this easy one-pot recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners that feel special without extra effort.