Italian Orzo Spinach Soup is a delicious, hearty, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. This soup combines the flavors of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tender orzo pasta, creating a comforting meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a filling dinner, this soup is sure to please.
Ingredients
For 1X (Serves 4-6)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Finely chop one small white onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 6 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 to 8 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces of uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 generous handfuls of fresh baby spinach or kale
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional toppings: freshly-grated Parmesan cheese and/or chopped fresh basil
For 2X (Serves 8-12)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Peel and finely dice two small white onions
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced celery
- 12 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 12 to 16 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 (14-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups (about 16 ounces) uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 large handfuls fresh baby spinach or kale
- Season with a pinch of fine sea salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper to your preference
- Optional toppings: freshly-grated Parmesan cheese and/or chopped fresh basil
For 3X (Serves 12-18)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 small white onions, peeled and diced
- 3 cups diced carrots
- 3 cups diced celery
- 18 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 18 to 24 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 3 (14-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 3 cups (about 24 ounces) uncooked orzo pasta
- 6 large handfuls fresh baby spinach or kale
- A pinch of fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, as desired
- Optional toppings: freshly-grated Parmesan cheese and/or chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until warm. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Add the pressed or minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Stock and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (including their juices). Stir in the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Orzo
Once the soup is boiling, add the uncooked orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Add Spinach or Kale
Stir in the fresh baby spinach or kale. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, or until the greens are wilted.
- Season and Serve
Season the soup with fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, topped with optional freshly-grated Parmesan cheese and/or chopped fresh basil if desired.
Conclusion
Italian Orzo Spinach Soup is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its combination of tender orzo, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a soup that is both nourishing and delicious. Enjoy this comforting meal with family and friends, and relish the warmth and richness it brings to your table.