Tomato Soup with Orzo
A rich and comforting tomato soup, elevated with tender orzo pasta for a hearty, satisfying meal. This one-pot wonder is creamy, deeply flavorful, and ready in about 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner. Served with a sprinkle of fresh basil, it's a simple yet elegant dish.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste has darkened slightly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build and Simmer the Soup Base
- b.Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Stir well to combine all ingredients, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- d.Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain the simmer.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Orzo
- b.Stir the dry orzo pasta directly into the simmering soup.
- c.Continue to simmer, stirring every few minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- d.Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente (tender with a slight bite).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish with Cream and Serve
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly until it's fully incorporated.
- c.Gently heat the soup for 1-2 minutes, but do not allow it to boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle.
- d.Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- e.Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped basil before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano.
- 2Stir the soup frequently after adding the orzo to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the pot.
- 3For a smoother soup texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup base before you add the orzo.
- 4The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. When reheating leftovers, thin the soup with a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- 5Serve with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, crusty bread, or garlic croutons for a complete and satisfying meal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dietary
For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with an equal amount of full-fat coconut milk or a homemade cashew cream. Ensure your vegetable broth is certified vegan.
FlavorFlavor
For a spicy kick, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in step 1.
IngredientIngredient
To boost the protein, stir in a 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
IngredientIngredient
For extra vegetable goodness, add 1 cup of fresh spinach or kale when you stir in the cream and allow it to wilt into the soup.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases and protecting skin from sun damage.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Made with olive oil, this soup provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Comforting Energy Source
The orzo pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, making this a satisfying and comforting meal that can help you feel full and energized.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this soup contains approximately 315-340 calories, making it a reasonably light yet satisfying meal.