Tomato Orzo Soup with Fresh Basil

This easy Tomato Orzo Soup is quick to make, prepared with simple pantry ingredients, and full of warm, comforting flavor. It is hearty enough for a light meal, yet still fresh and wholesome thanks to vegetables, tomatoes, spinach, and tender orzo pasta.

If you enjoy cozy homemade soups, you may also like this Creamy Chicken Noodle and Vegetable Soup.

This homemade Tomato Orzo Soup is a wonderful recipe to make when you want something warming, satisfying, and simple. The broth is rich with tomato flavor, the vegetables add texture and sweetness, and the orzo makes the soup filling without making it feel heavy. Like this simple Red Lentil Soup, it is nutritious, comforting, and a great choice during soup season.

One of the best things about this tomato orzo soup recipe is how flexible it is. You can keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth, or use chicken broth if that is what you have on hand. You can also add extra vegetables, beans, cooked chicken, sausage, or meatballs to make it even heartier. It is a practical weeknight soup that tastes homemade and comforting without requiring complicated steps.

How to Make it

This soup is very easy to prepare. Start by cooking the aromatics in a little olive oil and butter, then add the broth, tomatoes, herbs, and pasta. The orzo cooks directly in the soup, which helps it absorb flavor and gives the broth a slightly heartier texture. The spinach is stirred in near the end so it stays bright and tender.

Below is a helpful overview of the ingredients and method. The full ingredient amounts and step-by-step directions are included in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Ingredients Overview

• Olive oil and butter: Used to sauté the vegetables and build flavor at the beginning of the recipe.
• Garlic, onion, carrots, and celery: These classic soup vegetables create a savory base and add natural sweetness.
• Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian tomato orzo soup, or chicken broth if you prefer.
• Crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes give the soup a smooth, rich tomato base. Canned diced tomatoes can also be used, and fire-roasted tomatoes are especially flavorful.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, bay leaves, dried oregano, and dried basil season the broth. Red pepper flakes can be added if you like a little heat.
• Orzo pasta: Orzo is a small pasta shaped like large grains of rice. If you do not have orzo, use another small pasta such as macaroni, or even broken spaghetti. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Spinach: Added at the end of cooking for color, freshness, and extra vegetables. It can be omitted if you prefer.

Steps Overview

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, then cook until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Pour in the broth and crushed tomatoes. Add the bay leaves, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bring the soup to a boil, then stir in the uncooked orzo. Reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally so it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
4. Add the spinach and cook for a few minutes, just until wilted. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Tip: If you plan to make the soup ahead or expect leftovers, you can cook the pasta partially in a separate pot, then add it to the soup to finish cooking. This helps prevent the orzo from absorbing too much broth as it sits.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tomato orzo soup hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you have fresh basil, a few thinly sliced leaves make a delicious finishing touch and add a fresh aroma.

This soup is excellent with warm crusty bread, garlic bread, or simple dinner rolls. If you have extra time, serve it with Sweet Potato, Parmesan and Rosemary Biscuits or Mini Cornbread Muffins. The bread is perfect for dipping into the tomato-rich broth.

Storage Instructions

Allow leftover tomato orzo soup to cool to room temperature, then pour it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Freezing is not recommended because pasta can become soft and mushy after thawing.

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the orzo has absorbed too much broth while stored, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture before serving.

Enjoy!

More Delicious Soup Recipes

• Beef Barley Soup
• Easy Black Bean Soup
• Creamy Asparagus Soup
• Creamy Leek and Potato Soup
• Red Lentil and Cauliflower Soup

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