Lemon Garlic Orzo Soup

Ingredients

Main ingredients

• 1½ cups (about 280 g) dry orzo pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced

• 3 celery stalks, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 8 cups (1.9 liters) vegetable broth or chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional)

• 1 bay leaf (optional)

Optional additions

• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken for extra protein

• 1 cup baby spinach or kale

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Extra olive oil and fresh parsley for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Wash and peel the carrots, then cut them into small, even cubes. Dice the celery and onion, and mince the garlic.

Keeping the vegetables similar in size helps them cook evenly and gives the soup the colorful appearance shown in the picture.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic too much, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Add the broth and seasonings

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Add the Italian seasoning, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt, and optional bay leaf.

Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, until the carrots are beginning to become tender.

Step 4: Cook the orzo

Add the dry orzo pasta directly to the simmering broth. Stir thoroughly so that the pasta does not settle and stick to the bottom of the pot.

Cook uncovered for approximately 8–10 minutes, or according to the package instructions, stirring frequently.

The orzo should be tender but still hold its shape. If the soup becomes too thick, add another ½–1 cup of hot broth or water.

Step 5: Add the finishing ingredients

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice, if using.

For extra nutrition, add spinach during the final 1–2 minutes of cooking. If using cooked chicken, stir it in and heat until thoroughly hot.

Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, herbs, or lemon juice as desired.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, a little black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

For a richer flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan over each serving. Serve with toasted bread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings and the basic recipe without optional chicken or Parmesan.

Nutrition will vary depending on the pasta brand, broth, salt, and serving size.

Nut Information and Allergens

• Peanuts: None in the standard recipe.

• Tree nuts: None in the standard recipe.

• Gluten: Orzo is usually made from wheat, so the standard recipe is not gluten-free.

• Dairy: None required; Parmesan is optional.

• Soy: Not typically a main ingredient, but check packaged broth and pasta labels if avoiding soy.

• Allergy precautions: Check ingredient labels for cross-contact warnings if cooking for someone with food allergies.

Gluten-free option: Replace the orzo with certified gluten-free rice-shaped pasta or rice, and adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Important Tips for the Best Soup

1. Stir regularly: Orzo releases starch and can stick to the bottom of the pot.

2. Control the thickness: Pasta continues absorbing broth as it sits, so add extra broth when reheating.

3. Make ahead: For meal prep, cook the orzo separately and add it to the broth just before serving. This helps prevent it from becoming overly soft.

4. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within two hours and use within 3–4 days.

5. Freezing: Freeze the vegetable broth base without the pasta for the best texture. Add freshly cooked orzo when reheating.

Enjoy this warm, flavorful vegetable orzo soup as a simple homemade meal.