Italian Orzo Spinach Soup
Looking for a comforting and nourishing dish? Italian Orzo Spinach Soup is the perfect choice! This delightful soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it an ideal option for lunch or dinner any time of the year.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up a pot of Italian Orzo Spinach Soup. First and foremost, it is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike. The combination of orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and vibrant vegetables creates a deliciously wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy. Additionally, this soup is versatile; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying dish.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will be a hit. Not only is it family-friendly, but it’s also perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy it warm today and store the leftovers for a quick meal later in the week.
How to Make Italian Orzo Spinach Soup
Making Italian Orzo Spinach Soup is a simple and enjoyable process. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of ingredients and easy-to-follow directions.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers lightly.
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Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the diced carrots and celery, stirring to combine, and cook for about 5–7 minutes until they start to soften.
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Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil.
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Once boiling, add the uncooked orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
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Add the undrained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil, stirring to combine.
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Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender yet al dente.
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Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
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Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve the soup hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for Success Italian Orzo Spinach Soup
To make the most of your Italian Orzo Spinach Soup experience, consider these helpful tips:
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables in advance to save time when you’re ready to cook.
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo’s cooking time to ensure it stays al dente and doesn’t turn mushy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce will enhance the flavors in the soup, so opt for fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes if possible.
- Season Gradually: Start with less salt and pepper, tasting as you go to find the perfect seasoning.
- Customize: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables or herbs that you enjoy!
Flavor Variations Italian Orzo Spinach Soup
Here are some delicious ways to put a twist on your Italian Orzo Spinach Soup:
- Add Protein: Consider adding diced chicken, turkey, or beans for a heartier soup that’s more filling.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Experiment with Greens: Instead of spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard to change the flavor profile.
- Italian Sausage: For a flavorful addition, try browning some Italian sausage and adding it to the pot.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors of the soup.
Serving Suggestions Italian Orzo Spinach Soup
Italian Orzo Spinach Soup is delightful on its own, but you might consider pairing it with complementary dishes to elevate your meal:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread for a complete dinner experience.
- Side Salad: A fresh garden salad can add a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses for a lovely appetizer before enjoying the soup.
- Grilled Cheese: For a comforting duo, serve your soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Italian Orzo Spinach Soup
If you have leftovers or want to prepare in advance, here’s how to storage and freeze your soup:
- In the Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: To freeze, use freezer-safe containers or bags. The soup will maintain its best quality for 2–3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming on the stovetop.
Keep in mind that the orzo may absorb liquid over time, so you might need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|———————–|————-|
| Calories | 240 |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 410mg |
FAQ About Italian Orzo Spinach Soup
Can I make Italian Orzo Spinach Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as delicious.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, substitute regular orzo pasta with a gluten-free orzo or any gluten-free pasta of your choice.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Italian Orzo Spinach Soup is great for meal prep! Store your portions in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy them throughout the week.
What can I do with leftover soup?
Leftover Italian Orzo Spinach Soup can be used as a base for other dishes, such as a pasta casserole or risotto. You can also mix it with cooked grains or proteins to create entirely new meals.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you have on hand such as zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans.
Final Thoughts
Italian Orzo Spinach Soup is a delicious and fulfilling meal that caters to everyone. Bursting with flavors, this soup is not only simple to make but is also a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or keeping it handy for lunches throughout the week, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table!
Print
Italian Orzo Spinach Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and nourishing Italian soup made with orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers lightly.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots and celery, stirring to combine, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, add the uncooked orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil, stirring to combine.
- Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender yet al dente.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
For a heartier soup, consider adding protein like diced chicken or beans. Feel free to customize with different vegetables or herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
