Imagine curling up with a warm bowl of cabbage, sausage, and orzo soup on a chilly evening. This cozy dish delights your senses with the rich, smoky flavor of sausage mingling perfectly with tender cabbage and the satisfying chew of orzo. Even better? It’s creamy without any heavy cream involved, making it a lighter comfort food option! This soup is budget-friendly, using pantry staples without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, it hits all the right notes of hearty goodness. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand!

Why You’ll Love Cabbage, Sausage, and Orzo Soup (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)

Cabbage, sausage, and orzo soup is truly one of those recipes that checks all the boxes for a delightful meal. It’s easy to prepare, comforting to enjoy, and offers a perfect symphony of flavors. The combination of the smoky sausage and crunchy cabbage creates a wonderful texture experience, while the orzo pasta adds a delightful bite. You can whip it up in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome but quick.

Benefits:

• Ready in about 30-40 minutes.
• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.
• Healthier than heavy cream soups yet wonderfully creamy.
• Perfect dish for chilly weather, bringing warmth and comfort.
• Easily adjustable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients for Cabbage, Sausage, and Orzo Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing, adds richness.
• 1 onion, diced – Sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Aromatic goodness.
• 4 cups chopped cabbage – Crunchy texture, adds fiber.
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced – Smoky flavor, protein-rich.
• 6 cups chicken broth – Base for the soup, flavorful liquid.
• 1 cup orzo pasta – Tender chewiness that fills you up.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Enhance all flavors.
• Optional: Chopped herbs for garnish – Freshness and color.

Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.

How to Make Cabbage, Sausage, and Orzo Soup

Phase 1 – Prep

1. Gather all your ingredients and chop the onion and cabbage.
2. Mince the garlic, and slice the sausage.
3. Measure out the chicken broth and orzo.

Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the cabbage and sausage; cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil.
5. Add orzo and simmer until pasta is tender, around 10 minutes.

Phase 3 – Serve

1. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
3. Enjoy the warmth with some crusty bread!

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Swap the sausage: Try turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner alternative.
• Technique Improvement: Sautéing the sausage before adding other ingredients enhances the flavor.
• Storage Saver: Cook and store the orzo separately if you plan on keeping leftovers; it won’t soak up too much broth this way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the cabbage can lead to a mushy texture. Keep an eye on it and add it in the right timing to get that perfect crunch! Another mistake is skipping the seasoning, which can leave the soup bland. Always taste and adjust as you go. Finally, don’t rush the broth boiling stage; getting it to a good simmer infuses all the flavors beautifully.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: Swap orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta.
• Dairy-free: Skip the cream altogether or use a plant-based cream.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Herbal: Stir in fresh basil or thyme for extra flavor.

How to Serve Cabbage, Sausage, and Orzo Soup

Best Pairings: Serve with warm crusty bread or a green salad for a balanced meal. Toppings & Garnishes: Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle parmesan cheese for added richness. Drink Pairing: A light white wine or sparkling water pairs beautifully with the soup’s warmth.

Make Ahead & Storage

Can I Meal Prep This?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep, and you can store individual portions for quick lunches.

Storing Leftovers

Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but the texture of the orzo may change slightly.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower instead of cabbage for a different twist.

How to make it extra creamy without cream?

Add a splash of oat milk or pureed beans for creaminess without dairy.

Can I double it?

Absolutely! Just make sure your pot is large enough.

How to fix a too-thick soup?

Add more chicken broth or water until the desired consistency is reached.

Enjoy cooking this delightful cabbage, sausage, and orzo soup! Its creamy texture and comforting flavors will make it a family favorite. Don’t forget to rate or comment after trying it out! Check out our soup category for more delicious recipes!

Cabbage, Sausage, and Orzo Soup

A warm bowl of cabbage, sausage, and orzo soup that offers a rich, smoky flavor and creamy texture without heavy cream. Perfect for chilly evenings, budget-friendly, and easy to make for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing, adds richness.
• 1 large onion, diced Sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic goodness.
• 4 cups chopped cabbage Crunchy texture, adds fiber.
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced Smoky flavor, protein-rich.
• 6 cups chicken broth Base for the soup, flavorful liquid.
• 1 cup orzo pasta Tender chewiness that fills you up.
• to taste Salt and pepper Enhance all flavors.
• optional Chopped herbs for garnish Freshness and color.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Gather all your ingredients and chop the onion and cabbage.
• Mince the garlic, and slice the sausage.
• Measure out the chicken broth and orzo.

Cooking

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the cabbage and sausage; cook for another 5 minutes.
• Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil.
• Add orzo and simmer until pasta is tender, around 10 minutes.

Serving

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
• Enjoy the warmth with some crusty bread!

Notes

Pro Tips: Swap the sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. To improve flavor, sauté the sausage before other ingredients. For leftovers, cook and store the orzo separately to prevent it from soaking up too much broth. Avoid overcooking cabbage for the perfect crunch and always taste and adjust seasoning.

Keyword Cabbage Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup, Orzo Soup, Sausage Soup