Savory Orzo Garden Soup

This Vegetable Orzo Soup is an incredibly simple, healthy, and profoundly hearty dish, perfect for any day of the week. Packed with the vibrant goodness of fresh spinach and creamy cannellini beans, this delightful soup comes together in just over 30 minutes, yet it absolutely does not compromise on its rich, comforting flavor. It’s a true weeknight hero that promises warmth and nourishment in every spoonful.

Discover the Delight of Our Easy Vegetable Orzo Soup

There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially one that’s both incredibly easy to make and brimming with wholesome ingredients. Our Vegetable Orzo Soup recipe is precisely that – a timeless classic designed to bring joy and nutrition to your table without demanding hours in the kitchen. This particular recipe holds a special place, being one of the foundational dishes first shared on this blog, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its simple charm and robust flavor.

This isn’t just any vegetable soup; it’s a vibrant medley featuring the tender bite of orzo pasta, nutrient-rich spinach, and protein-packed cannellini beans, all swimming in a savory broth. It’s an ingenious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, ensuring every serving is a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly this soup comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.

Imagine serving this steaming, aromatic soup alongside a slice of crusty artisan bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth, or perhaps paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s a versatile dish that can easily anchor a simple lunch or a satisfying dinner. Moreover, its adaptability is one of its greatest strengths; feel free to customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables, making it a truly unique creation every time you prepare it. This recipe truly empowers you to use what you have on hand, minimizing waste and maximizing deliciousness.

Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Orzo Soup

Crafting this delicious Vegetable Orzo Soup requires a selection of readily available ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. We’ve designed this list to be flexible, allowing for easy substitutions to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Olive Oil: The foundation of our soup, extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely depth of flavor when sautéing the aromatics. If you prefer, coconut oil or another favorite high-heat cooking oil can be used as an alternative.
• Brown Onion: Diced brown onion forms the aromatic base, providing a sweet and savory start to our soup.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that undeniable punch of flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
• Carrots: Diced carrots add natural sweetness, beautiful color, and essential vitamins.
• Celery: Diced celery contributes a subtle earthy note and crisp texture, rounding out our traditional mirepoix.
• Spinach: A powerhouse of nutrients, spinach wilts beautifully into the soup. You can use either fresh spinach leaves (two generous handfuls) or a third of a cup of frozen spinach for convenience.
• Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes provides a rich, slightly tangy base and contributes to the soup’s hearty texture.
• Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans are packed with protein and fiber, making the soup extra filling and nutritious. Chickpeas or red kidney beans also work wonderfully as substitutes if you prefer.
• Chicken Stock: The liquid backbone of our soup, chicken stock offers a savory depth. For a vegetarian or vegan version, readily swap it for vegetable stock.
• Orzo / Risoni: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta is what makes this soup so unique and satisfying. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the broth beautifully.
• Italian Mixed Herbs: A blend of classic Italian herbs is key to the soup’s aromatic profile. Our preferred mix typically includes marjoram, basil, capsicum, rosemary, oregano, and thyme. If you don’t have a pre-mix, simply use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for a similar effect.
• Salt + Pepper: Essential for seasoning, remember to taste and adjust according to your preference throughout the cooking process.

Simple Steps to Create Your Delicious Orzo Soup

Follow these straightforward instructions to bring this flavorful Vegetable Orzo Soup to life in your own kitchen. The process is designed to be quick and efficient, ensuring you have a warm, satisfying meal on the table in no time.

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This initial step creates the foundational flavor of your soup.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced brown onion to the heated oil and cook, stirring frequently, until it softens and becomes lightly browned, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Soften Carrots and Celery: Incorporate the diced celery and carrots into the pot. Continue to cook, stirring regularly, for 3-5 minutes until these vegetables begin to slightly soften. This step ensures they are tender but still retain a slight bite in the finished soup.
4. Combine Main Ingredients and Simmer: Now, add the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable stock, orzo pasta, cannellini beans, Italian mixed herbs, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything well to combine all the delicious components. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo pasta is completely cooked through and tender.
5. Add Spinach: Finally, stir in the fresh or frozen spinach. Cook for just 1-2 minutes more, or until the spinach has fully wilted into the soup, adding its vibrant green color and nutrients.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. For an optional but highly recommended touch, sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves can also elevate the presentation and flavor.

QUICK TIP: The orzo pasta is excellent at soaking up liquid, which means your soup may thicken considerably as it cooks. If you prefer a thinner consistency, or notice it’s becoming too thick, don’t hesitate to add an extra cup or two of stock towards the end of the cooking process until it reaches your desired thickness. Always taste and adjust seasoning after adding more liquid.

Storing Your Delicious Orzo Soup for Later

To enjoy this delicious soup beyond the first meal, proper storage is key. Transfer any leftover soup into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prepping your lunches throughout the week.

It’s important to note that while many soups freeze well, this particular Vegetable Orzo Soup contains pasta. Pasta tends to become soft and mushy when frozen and then reheated, losing its desirable texture. For this reason, we generally recommend against freezing this soup. Instead, plan to enjoy your leftovers within a few days from the fridge. If you anticipate having a large amount of leftovers, consider cooking a portion of the orzo separately and adding it to individual servings just before eating, or only add orzo to the amount of soup you plan to consume immediately.

Customization and Variations: Make It Your Own!

One of the best aspects of this Vegetable Orzo Soup recipe is its incredible versatility. While the core ingredients create a fantastic base, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever fresh produce you have on hand.

• Vary Your Vegetables: Beyond spinach, feel free to add other greens like kale, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. For heartier additions, consider zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, or even small broccoli florets. Add tougher vegetables earlier with the carrots and celery, and softer ones towards the end with the spinach.
• Bean Alternatives: As mentioned, chickpeas or red kidney beans are great swaps for cannellini beans, but don’t stop there. Black beans (though they might change the broth color slightly) or navy beans can also work.
• Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!), crumbled Italian sausage, or even plant-based sausage. Add pre-cooked protein at the same time as the beans to warm through.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can provide a lovely kick. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a smoky depth.
• Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs truly elevate the flavor profile. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or oregano right before serving. A spoonful of pesto stirred in at the end can also add a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Cheese Please! While Parmesan is a classic, other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a dollop of fresh ricotta can add a creamy richness to individual bowls. For a vegan option, nutritional yeast can mimic a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply swap out the orzo for a gluten-free small pasta shape, or omit pasta entirely and add extra vegetables or a grain like quinoa (cooked separately and added at the end).

The Nutritional Benefits of This Wholesome Soup

Beyond its delicious taste, this Vegetable Orzo Soup is a nutritional powerhouse. Each ingredient contributes to a meal that is not only satisfying but also incredibly good for you:

• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The abundance of vegetables like carrots, celery, and especially spinach, provides a wealth of essential vitamins (like Vitamin A, K, C) and minerals.
• High in Fiber: Cannellini beans are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
• Lean Protein: The cannellini beans also offer a significant amount of plant-based protein, making this a great option for those looking to reduce meat intake or for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Low in Saturated Fat: With olive oil as the primary fat source and lean ingredients, this soup is naturally low in saturated fat, supporting heart health.
• Hydrating: As a broth-based soup, it contributes to your daily fluid intake, which is vital for overall body function.
• Boosts Immunity: Garlic and onions contain compounds known for their immune-boosting properties, especially beneficial during colder months.

More Scrumptious Soup Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting warmth of this Vegetable Orzo Soup, we encourage you to explore our other delightful soup creations. There’s a perfect bowl for every season and every craving!

• Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup
• Creamy Cauliflower and Bacon Soup
• Classic Split Pea Soup
• Comforting Potato and Leek Soup
• Rich Roasted Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup
• Or explore our complete collection of Soup Recipes for endless inspiration!

Your Go-To Recipe for a Healthy, Quick & Flavorful Meal

This Vegetable Orzo Soup truly embodies everything you could want in a comforting meal: it’s incredibly easy to prepare, packed with healthy ingredients, and bursting with robust, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner, a nutritious lunch, or a soothing bowl to warm you up, this recipe delivers every time.

If you’ve tried this fantastic Vegetable Orzo Soup, we would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to pop a comment and a star rating below to share how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback helps us and other home cooks discover new favorites!

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📋 RECIPE: VEGETABLE ORZO SOUP

Vegetable Orzo Soup

Yield:
6 servings

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

This Vegetable Orzo Soup is an incredibly simple, healthy, and hearty dish, featuring vibrant spinach and creamy cannellini beans. It comes together in just over 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick meal without skimping on its rich, comforting flavor. A true family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Brown Onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
• 3 Carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 Celery Stalks, diced
• 1 400g / 14.5oz can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 400g / 15oz can Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups Chicken or Vegetable stock
• 1 cup Orzo / Risoni
• 2 tsps Italian Mixed Herbs (or 1 teaspoon oregano and 1 teaspoon thyme)
• Salt + Pepper, to taste
• 2 handfuls loose spinach leaves, or ⅓ cup frozen spinach

Optional

• Parmesan cheese, to serve

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook, stirring regularly, until slightly browned (approx 2 mins). Add garlic and cook for a further 30 seconds, stirring regularly.
3. Add celery and carrot and cook, stirring regularly, for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add diced tomatoes, stock, orzo, beans, mixed herbs, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Cover, bring to boil then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the orzo is completely cooked.
5. Add spinach, stir to combine and cook for a further 1-2 minutes until the spinach has slightly wilted.
6. Ladle into bowls and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

1. Recipe adapted from Gimme Some Oven.
2. STOCK: You may need more stock depending on how thick you like your soup. The orzo really soaks up most of the liquid so you might pop a cup or two more in towards the end just to get it to your desired thickness.
3. STORING: Keep the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. As this soup contains pasta, it doesn’t hold up as well in the freezer, so it’s best to portion out leftovers for lunches over the week.
4. NUTRITION: Nutrition information is a rough estimate based on one serve.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving:
Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 176
Sodium: 110mg
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 8g

First Published: March 13, 2017

Last Updated: March 20, 2019 (New photos, minor improvements to the original recipe, plus added tips and tricks for an even better soup experience).