If you need a quick, hearty, and flavorful soup for busy nights, this Italian Sausage Soup is a game-changer!
Loaded with savory Italian sausage, whole-wheat orzo, tomatoes, and simple pantry seasonings, this one-pot soup is packed with comforting flavors while being effortless to make. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, satisfying meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or when you crave a cozy bowl of goodness, this Italian Sausage Soup is rich, wholesome, and full of Italian flavors! Serve with crusty bread or a side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal!
- MORE QUICK WEEKNIGHT DINNERS
- HEARTY BEEF BARLEY SOUP
- EASY CREAMY BEEF AND SHELLS
- Air Fryer Southern Fried Catfish
- EASY HEARTY INSTANT POT LASAGNA SOUP
- EASY TARTER TOT CASSEROLE
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 lb. Italian Pork Sausage or turkey sausage
- 1/2 Red Onion diced
- 3 cloves Garlic finely chopped
- 2 stalks Celery diced
- 1 cup Whole Wheat Orzo Pasta or classic semolina orzo
- 6 cups Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 28-oz can No Salt Added Diced Tomatoes keep juice
- 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
1 ) Place the stainless insert in the Instant Pot and press the “Saute” button. When the surface is hot, add sausage to the pot, separating into pieces; brown the sausage, stirring as needed.
NOTE: you shouldn’t need to add any oil because the sausage likely has enough fat, but if you do, add only a few drops of OLIVE OIL at a time.
2 ) When the sausage has browned, remove it from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a paper-towel-lined plate; set aside. Carefully remove the instant pot liner from the Instant Pot and pour the sausage grease into a heat-safe container to dispose of later.
3 ) Continue using the saute function on the Instant Pot. (Add a few drops of OLIVE OIL if needed). Add ONION, CELERY, and GARLIC and saute until tender, stirring as needed (about 3 minutes).
4 ) Press CANCEL on the Instant Pot. Add DRY ORZO, CHICKEN BROTH, DICED TOMATOES with their juice, ITALIAN SEASONING; SALT, PEPPER, and BROWNED SAUSAGE. Close and lock the lid, turn the steam release knob to “sealed” position; set Instant Pot to Manual +3 minutes (for whole wheat orzo) or +2 minutes for semolina orzo.
5 ) When the pressure cook cycle is complete, press CANCEL on the Instant Pot. Carefully turn the steam release knob and release steam to fully depressurize cooker (takes 2-4 minutes). Serve warm.
- Some Recommended Products:
- 48-inch Gas Range 6 Burners Cooktop 6.7 cu.ft Oven
- Professional Series Built-In All Refrigerator
- Mini Refrigerator, 2-Door 3.4 cu. ft. Small Compact Under Counter
Pro Tips for the Best Italian Sausage Soup
- Use Hot or Mild Italian Sausage – Adjust spice levels to your preference!
- Toast the Orzo Before Adding Broth – This enhances the nutty flavor of the pasta.
- Add Greens for Extra Nutrition – Stir in spinach or kale at the end for added color and nutrients.
- Let It Simmer for Deeper Flavor – While ready in 30 minutes, an extra 10 minutes of simmering makes it even better.
- Serve with Parmesan & Crusty Bread – A grated parmesan topping and warm bread complete the meal!
(FAQ) About Italian Sausage Soup
1. Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
- Yes! Ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work well.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
3. How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?
- Cook the pasta separately and add when serving to prevent it from absorbing too much broth.
4. Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead?
- Yes! Ground turkey sausage is a lighter alternative that still adds great flavor.
5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes! Brown the sausage first, then cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. Add orzo in the last 20 minutes.
6. Can I freeze Italian Sausage Soup?
- Yes, but freeze without pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating for the best texture.
7. What can I serve with this soup?
- Pair with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
8. How do I make the soup spicier?
- Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
9. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
- Yes! Just skip the parmesan garnish or use a dairy-free alternative.
10. What’s the best way to thicken this soup?
- Let it simmer longer, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water for a thicker texture.
- MAKE SURE TO CHECK THESE AS WELL:
- CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
- EASY AND DELICIOUS BROWN SUGAR-BAKED CARROTS
- THE BEST CORNBREAD FROM SCRATCH!
