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Vegetable Orzo Soup + Easy & Healthy Recipe

4.9 from 81 reviews

A comforting and easy-to-make Vegetable Orzo Soup packed with wholesome vegetables, tender potatoes, and orzo pasta. This healthy recipe combines savory flavors with a hint of sweetness and fresh herbs, perfect for a nourishing meal any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Vegetables and Broth

  • 2 medium potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
  • 67 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup frozen sweet corn

Flavorings and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional)

Pasta and Garnish

  • ⅓ cup dry orzo pasta
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste is well incorporated.
  3. Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the cubed potatoes, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and celery salt to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Cook Orzo and Simmer: Stir in the dry orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes until the orzo is al dente and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Add Corn and Season: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen sweet corn. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Acid: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Optionally, add fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to brighten and balance the flavors.
  7. Serve: Serve the soup warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
  • You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian/vegan option.
  • Adjust the orzo cooking time slightly if you prefer softer pasta.
  • This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Add more or less vegetable broth to adjust the soup thickness to your liking.

Keywords: vegetable orzo soup, easy soup recipe, healthy vegetable soup, orzo pasta soup, vegetarian soup