A warm, comforting, and delicious Orzo Soup that the whole family will love! This homemade soup combines tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a flavorful broth for the perfect cozy meal.

Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner, a chilly evening, or a comforting family lunch, this easy soup is satisfying, nourishing, and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Soup / Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients
For the Soup

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, optional
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
    Optional Additions
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra lemon juice
  • Fresh basil
    Instructions
    Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
    Wash and prepare the vegetables.

Finely chop the onion, dice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.

Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the chopped 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 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the seasonings
Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and salt.

Add the bay leaf.

Mix well to coat the vegetables with the herbs and seasonings.
Step 4: Add the broth
Pour in the vegetable broth or chicken broth.

Add the diced tomatoes if using.

Stir everything together.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer the soup
Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Cover partially and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the carrots and celery are tender.

Stir occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking.
Step 6: Add the orzo
Add the uncooked orzo pasta directly to the soup.

Stir well.

Cook for approximately 8–10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still slightly firm.

Check the package instructions because cooking times can vary.
Step 7: Add optional ingredients
If using cooked chicken, chickpeas, or frozen peas, stir them into the soup.

Simmer for another 3–5 minutes until heated through.
Step 8: Add the spinach
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach.

Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Remove the bay leaf.
Step 9: Finish with lemon and herbs
Turn off the heat.

Add the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.

Stir gently.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
Step 10: Serve
Ladle the hot orzo soup into bowls.

Garnish with fresh parsley, extra lemon juice, or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve immediately with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.

Enjoy this comforting family favorite!
Helpful Tips

  • Don’t overcook the orzo: Cook until tender with a slight bite.
  • Add more broth if needed: Orzo absorbs liquid as it cooks.
  • Use fresh lemon juice: It brightens the flavor of the soup.
  • Add protein: Shredded chicken or chickpeas make the soup more filling.
  • Make it creamy: Stir in a little cream or coconut milk for a creamy variation.
  • Keep the soup vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken.
  • For meal prep: Cook the orzo separately and add it to individual portions before serving.
  • Adjust the thickness: Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.
    Nut Information & Allergens
    Nut Information
  • Peanuts: Not included
  • Almonds: Not included
  • Walnuts: Not included
  • Cashews: Not included
  • Pistachios: Not included
  • Pecans: Not included
    This recipe contains no nuts in its listed ingredients.
    Allergens
  • Gluten: Orzo is traditionally made from wheat.
  • Possible dairy: Parmesan cheese is optional.
  • Possible soy: Check packaged broth and other prepared ingredients.
  • Possible cross-contact: Check product labels if cooking for someone with food allergies.
    Nut-Free Note
    This soup is naturally nut-free based on the listed ingredients.

For a nut-free meal, check the labels on broth, orzo, optional cheese, and packaged seasonings.

For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free small pasta.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings using vegetable broth, orzo, vegetables, and olive oil without optional chicken or cheese.
Nutrient Approximate Amount
Calories 210–250
Protein 6–8 g
Carbohydrates 35–40 g
Fat 5–7 g
Fiber 4–6 g
Sugar 5–8 g

Adding chicken, chickpeas, or Parmesan will change the nutrition values.
Q&A
Q: What is Orzo Soup?

A: Orzo Soup is a comforting soup made with small rice-shaped pasta, vegetables, broth, and herbs. It can be prepared with chicken, vegetables, or legumes.

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?

A: Yes. Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken. The soup is vegetarian as written when prepared with vegetable broth and without Parmesan.

Q: Can I make this soup vegan?

A: Yes. Use vegetable broth and omit Parmesan, or use a plant-based Parmesan alternative.

Q: Can I add chicken to Orzo Soup?

A: Absolutely. Add cooked shredded chicken for extra protein and a heartier meal.

Q: Can I use a different pasta?

A: Yes. Small pasta shapes such as ditalini, small shells, or gluten-free pasta can be used instead of orzo. Adjust cooking time according to the package.

Q: Can I make Orzo Soup ahead of time?

A: Yes. Prepare the soup without the orzo and refrigerate it. Cook the orzo separately and add it when reheating.

Q: Why does my soup become thick?

A: Orzo absorbs broth as it sits. Add extra vegetable or chicken broth when reheating to restore the desired consistency.

Q: Can I freeze Orzo Soup?

A: Yes, but the orzo may become softer after thawing. For the best texture, freeze the soup without pasta and add freshly cooked orzo after reheating.

Q: How long does Orzo Soup last in the refrigerator?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Refrigerate promptly and reheat thoroughly.

Q: Can I make this soup creamy?

A: Yes. Stir in a little cream, milk, or coconut milk near the end of cooking. For a dairy-free version, choose an unsweetened plant-based alternative.

Q: Is Orzo Soup suitable for a low-sodium diet?

A: It can be adapted by using low-sodium or no-salt-added broth, reducing added salt, and choosing lower-sodium ingredients. Parmesan, prepared broth, and packaged seasonings can contribute sodium, so check labels and adjust according to your dietary needs.

Q: What can I serve with Orzo Soup?

A: Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.