MOM’S ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP
Growing up, there were a few dishes we could count on having at least once every two weeks. Mom’s sausage soup was definitely one of them. Though plenty skilled in the kitchen, our mom always made sure we knew how much she “hates cooking!” Perhaps she wanted us to show more gratitude for the hours she spent feeding us. I wish I could say her tactics worked…but we sure are grateful now, mom! Anyway, it’s no wonder she loved this recipe so much. It doesn’t get any easier than this, and it is so flavorful and delicious. Sausage soup was one of our favorite meals back then, and it still is now! And bonus, all of our kids (even the tomato-averse, “get-that-green-thing-out!” gremlins) devour it.
Mom’s Italian Sausage Soup
serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 pkg sweet Italian sausage (or 1/2 pkg spicy, 1/2 pkg sweet), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes (for a slight flavor boost, use 1 can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes)
- 1 t chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 t dried basil
- 1 32-oz. carton low sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 c uncooked orzo noodles
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
Directions
- Over medium-high heat, brown sausage, onion, and garlic, about 3 minutes.
- Once sausage is browned (but not completely cooked through) and garlic and onions are fragrant, add tomatoes, chicken broth, and basil.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Add salt and pepper, taste, and add more salt if necessary (note: sometimes, canned tomatoes can taste slightly metallic or bitter. If after tasting, you find this is the case, add a bit of sugar 1/2 tsp at a time until desired flavor is reached).
- Add orzo noodles, stir well, and return to a boil. Continue to stir often until noodles are cooked so they don’t stick to the bottom (al dente, not mushy!). Remove from heat, and serve topped with more fresh basil. I always serve this soup with my favorite No-Time Artisan Bread.
- *Note: If your noodles absorb all your broth, you can add a little extra chicken broth to water it down more!