This cozy sausage orzo soup is a quick 30-minute, one-pot meal with Italian sausage, tender cabbage, orzo, kale, Parmesan, and a bright splash of lemon.
Fun fact — there’s an entire bag of coleslaw hiding in this cozy sausage orzo soup. And it’s SO GOOD. ♡
I’ve been using bagged coleslaw as a time-saving hack for years whenever I need shredded cabbage fast (hello, 20-Minute Egg Roll Bowls!). But it only recently dawned on me to try the same shortcut with cabbage soup. Now, I’m hooked! The thin shreds of cabbage and carrots melt right into the broth, adding natural sweetness and heartiness with zero chopping. And when paired with savory Italian sausage, a rich splash of tomato paste, tender orzo pasta, a handful of kale for extra greens, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and lemon to finish, you end up with a bowl that’s satisfying and hearty, yet still tastes refreshingly light and fresh.
It’s a 30-minute, one-pot, nourishing meal that has become a favorite in our house for busy weeknights. Let’s make some!