This Italian Orzo Soup is warm and comforting, packed with tiny pasta, veggies, and a tasty broth. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Whenever I make this soup, the whole house smells amazing. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! Perfect for a chilly day or when you just need a pick-me-up.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and great flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use canola or vegetable oil, but extra virgin olive oil gives the best taste.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is tiny and cooks quickly, but if you don’t have any, try using small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Broth: I usually opt for low-sodium vegetable broth for a light soup base. Chicken broth works fine too, but if you’re vegetarian, stick to vegetable broth!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with kale, Swiss chard, or even frozen spinach—just thaw it first.
Herbs: Feel free to use fresh herbs instead of dried. Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme make a wonderful difference in flavor, but you’ll need about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Vegetables?
To truly enhance the flavor of your soup, make sure to properly sauté your onions, carrots, and celery. This is known as the “mirepoix” and forms the base of the flavor.
- Heat the oil first—medium heat is perfect.
- Add your diced vegetables and let them soften. Don’t rush this step; the longer you let them cook, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll become!
- Once they’re softened, add your garlic and herbs. Cook for just a minute to prevent burning the garlic.
This method builds a lovely flavor profile for your soup, making it taste rich and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Italian Orzo Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Italian Orzo Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a warm meal on a busy day!
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, or until they’re softened and slightly golden. This will be the aromatic base of your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Herbs:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme. Cook everything together for just 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, making your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Combine with Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice and add the broth. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a boil. This is where all the flavors start to come together!
4. Cook the Orzo:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to let the soup simmer gently. Add the orzo pasta and cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
5. Add Spinach:
After the orzo is done, stir in the chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant. It adds a lovely green color and extra nutrition to your soup!
6. Season and Serve:
Before serving, season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley and, if you like, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Enjoy your warm, comforting Italian Orzo Soup! Perfect for sharing with family and friends or just savoring all on your own!
Can I Use Different Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! If you can’t find orzo, try small pasta shapes like ditalini or even small shells. Just adjust the cooking times according to the type of pasta you use, as some might take longer to cook.
How Can I Make This Soup Creamy?
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can stir in about 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. This adds richness without overpowering the soup’s flavors!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember that orzo may absorb some broth, so you might need to add a little water or broth when reheating.
What Can I Do if I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach! Just thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup. It’s a great way to get that green goodness without fresh spinach.
