SOUP! Warm, comforting, and packed with wholesome goodness, this Family Favorite Orzo Soup is pure nostalgia in a bowl! Tender orzo pasta simmers in a golden, aromatic veggie broth packed with sweet carrots, crisp celery, garlic, and fresh herbs for the ultimate cozy 20-minute meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
20-Minute One-Pot Wholesomeness: Simple whole-food staples turn into a comforting home-cooked soup in no time at all.
Light Yet Satisfying: Tender rice-shaped orzo pasta absorbs all the rich savory broth while staying light and easy to digest.
Ultimate Meal-Prep Classic: Perfect for making a big batch to keep in the fridge for easy, wholesome weekday lunches!
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: Gives all the veggies and broth room to simmer evenly.
Ladle: For serving warm, steaming portions into soup bowls.
Ingredients
1 cup Dry orzo pasta
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 tbsp Butter
1 small Yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 medium Carrots, peeled and diced small
2 stalks Celery, diced small
6 cups Low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp (optional) Fresh lemon juice (for a bright Mediterranean kick!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
2. Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
3. Simmer Broth & Orzo: Pour in the 6 cups of chicken (or vegetable) broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the 1 cup of dry orzo pasta.
4. Cook Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a steady simmer. Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom, until the pasta is perfectly tender.
5. Garnish & Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley (and a splash of fresh lemon juice if desired). Ladle hot into warm bowls and enjoy!
Chef’s Tips
Boost the Protein: Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken breast or a can of drained white navy beans to easily turn this into a heavy-hitting high-protein meal!
Low-Carb Pasta Swap: Swap standard orzo for chickpea-based orzo or shirataki rice to lower the carb count while boosting fiber!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving / Yields 4 Bowls)
Servings: 4 bowls
Calories: ~190 kcal
Protein: 7g (25g+ with added chicken)
Net Carbs: 28g
Fat: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did my soup soak up all the liquid in the fridge?
Orzo pasta naturally continues to absorb broth as it sits! If reheating leftover soup the next day, simply splash in an extra 1/2 cup of broth or water before warming it up on the stove.