This Italian Orzo Soup is warm and comforting, filled with tiny pasta, fresh veggies, and hearty flavors. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
I love how quick and easy this soup is to whip up. In about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal that warms your heart and fills your belly! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds rich flavor to the soup. If you’re out, vegetable oil or avocado oil can work as a substitute without losing much taste.
Onion: A medium onion is essential for base flavor. You could use shallots instead for a milder taste, or even omit it if you prefer.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings depth to the dish. If you have garlic powder, you can use 1/8 teaspoon instead, but fresh is really the best here!
Orzo Pasta: This small pasta is perfect for soup! You can swap it with any small pasta, like ditalini or even rice, but cooking times will vary.
Fresh Spinach: Leafy greens add nutrition and color. If spinach isn’t available, kale, swiss chard, or even frozen spinach can work too. Just add it a bit earlier if using frozen.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Vegetables for Flavor?
Sautéing vegetables is key for building flavor in this soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat to prevent burning. Start with adding olive oil and let it heat up before adding veggies.
- Add denser vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery first. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until they soften.
- Finally, add garlic for the last minute to keep its robust flavor from burning.
With this technique, you set a flavorful foundation for your soup!
Italian Orzo Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Italian Orzo Soup requires about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking, making it a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for about 1 minute. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that delightful garlic aroma!
3. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Now, pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices, and then add the vegetable or chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Season the Soup:
Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning and the red pepper flakes, if you’re using them. Bring the soup to a boil, and then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
5. Cook the Orzo:
Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta. Allow the soup to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Make sure to stir occasionally!
6. Add Spinach:
After the orzo is cooked, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and let it cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant.
7. Final Seasoning:
Taste your soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like. It pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread for a hearty, comforting meal!
Enjoy your delicious and hearty Italian Orzo Soup!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta in This Soup?
Absolutely! While orzo is a great choice, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even mini elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta may require adjustments.
How to Make This Soup Vegetarian?
This soup is naturally vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. All the other ingredients, like the vegetables and orzo, are meat-free and delicious!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the soup, but it’s best to add the orzo and spinach just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy. You can store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave!
What Should I Do with Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If frozen, it will last for about 2-3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave!
