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.
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.