This Italian Orzo Soup is a warm bowl of comfort. With tiny pasta, bright veggies, and tasty herbs, each spoonful is packed with flavor!
It’s like a hug in a bowl! On chilly days, I make a big pot and enjoy it all week. A sprinkle of cheese on top makes it even better—who can resist that? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing, adding a lovely flavor. You can swap it with canola or avocado oil if you’re looking for something lighter.
Onion: A medium onion adds depth to the soup. Yellow or white onions work best, but red onions can also be used for a sweeter taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor! If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works as a substitute, but use much less—about 1/4 teaspoon should do.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is cute and fits perfectly in soup. If you can’t find it, try other small pasta like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives color and nutrients. You can use kale or Swiss chard instead. Just chop them up before adding.
Parmesan Cheese: For a rich finishing touch, I love freshly grated Parmesan. If you’re dairy-free, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly for Soup?
Sautéing vegetables well sets the foundation for your soup’s flavor. Here’s how:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning the oil.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery first. Cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic last, as it cooks faster and can burn easily. Just one minute is all you need!
- If your pot is getting too dry, add a splash of broth to help the veggies cook.
This technique brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies, creating a delicious base for your soup!
How to Make Italian Orzo Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This warming Italian Orzo Soup takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 20-25 minutes for cooking. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious pot of soup ready to enjoy. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add your chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the veggies soften and the onion becomes translucent. This will enhance the flavors of your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to your pot. Cook for another 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant, stirring carefully to avoid burning.
3. Combine the Key Ingredients:
Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken or vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Bring everything to a boil—this will marry all the wonderful flavors together!
4. Cook the Orzo:
Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
5. Season to Taste:
Now’s the time to season your soup! Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, giving it a stir to incorporate the flavors.
6. Add Fresh Spinach:
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and brightens the soup.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if using. Now, dig in and enjoy this delightful, hearty Italian Orzo Soup!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Orzo for This Recipe?
Absolutely! There are many gluten-free orzo options available made from rice or corn. Just cook according to the package instructions, as they may require different cooking times than regular orzo.
Can I Add Different Vegetables to the Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces and add them when you sauté the onions and carrots for even cooking.
How to Store Leftover Italian Orzo Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The orzo will absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you might want to add a little extra broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan for a delicious vegan version. You can still enjoy the rich flavors without any animal products!
