Orzo Vegetable Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orzo Vegetable Soup is a wholesome and satisfying meal, packed with colorful vegetables and the small, rice-shaped orzo pasta that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the broth. It’s easy to make and can be customized with any vegetables you have on hand. The light but hearty broth, along with the comforting orzo, creates the perfect soup to enjoy on a chilly day or when you’re craving something warm and nourishing.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

• 1 1/2 cups spinach or kale, chopped (optional)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.

2. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir in the carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.

4. Add the orzo pasta, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

6. If using, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or dried herbs if needed. If you like a brighter flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the soup just before serving.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or beans to the soup. A can of drained and rinsed white beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) would work well.

• Use other pasta: If you don’t have orzo, you can use small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini.

• Swap the vegetables: You can customize this soup with any vegetables you like. Try adding potatoes, peas, green beans, or corn for more variety.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can replace dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor. Just add them at the end of cooking to prevent them from losing their flavor.

• Spicy kick: For some heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: While this soup freezes well, the orzo may become mushy upon reheating. If you plan to freeze it, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it to the soup when you reheat it. Freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat. If the soup has thickened too much, add a bit of water or extra broth to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in place of fresh ones. Just add them to the soup during the last 10-12 minutes of simmering to ensure they cook properly.

3. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, you can use chicken broth if you prefer. The vegetable broth gives a lighter, more neutral flavor, but chicken broth will add a richer taste to the soup.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta shape, such as elbow macaroni, small shells, or ditalini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta used.

5. How do I make this soup gluten-free?

To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free. There are many gluten-free orzo options available, or you can use other small pasta shapes made from rice or corn.

6. Can I add beans for extra protein?

Yes! White beans (like cannellini or great northern beans), chickpeas, or lentils would be a great addition to boost the protein content. Add them during the simmering step, allowing them to heat through.

7. Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, this soup is already vegan if you skip the optional addition of spinach or kale and use vegetable broth. The addition of a plant-based protein like beans or tofu can further enhance the dish.

8. Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the soup for some heat. Add it along with the garlic and vegetables to allow the spice to infuse the broth.

9. What can I serve this soup with?

This soup is perfect on its own or served with a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad. You could also serve it with grilled cheese or a vegetable quesadilla for a heartier meal.

10. Can I use other greens instead of spinach or kale?

Yes, other leafy greens such as Swiss chard, arugula, or even collard greens would work well in this soup. Just chop them up and stir them into the soup at the end of cooking.

Conclusion

Orzo Vegetable Soup is a delightful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a flavorful starter, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s customizable, allowing you to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and herbs to suit your taste. This is the perfect recipe for when you need something quick, healthy, and satisfying.