Ingredients
– 1 pound ground Italian sausage Adds rich, savory flavor and protein
– 14-ounce bag classic coleslaw mix Provides bulk, nutrients, and a fresh crunch
– 3 cups finely chopped kale Provides bulk, nutrients, and a fresh crunch
– 6 cups chicken stock Creates a hearty broth and comforting texture
– 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta Creates a hearty broth and comforting texture
– Zest and juice of 1 small lemon Brightens the soup and adds a cheesy finish
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Brightens the soup and adds a cheesy finish
– 1 finely chopped yellow onion
– 6 finely chopped garlic cloves
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
– 1/3 cup (6 tablespoons) tomato paste
– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, with extra for serving
Instructions
1-First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the 1 pound of ground Italian sausage until it’s fully cooked.
2-Next, add the 1 finely chopped yellow onion, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté until it softens.
3-Then, stir in the 6 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/3 cup of tomato paste, cooking until fragrant about 1-2 minutes.
4-Incorporate the 14-ounce bag of classic coleslaw mix and let it wilt slightly for a couple of minutes.
5-Pour in the 6 cups of chicken stock and return the browned sausage to the pot, bringing everything to a simmer.
6-Add the 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta and cook until it’s al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes.
7-In the last few minutes, mix in the 3 cups of finely chopped kale until it’s tender, then stir in the 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese off the heat.
8-Finish with the zest and juice of 1 small lemon, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve with extra Parmesan on top.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍲 Use fresh Italian sausage for best flavor and texture.
🍋 Add lemon zest and juice at the end to brighten and balance the richness.
🕒 Cook orzo just until al dente to maintain a pleasant bite in the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg