Description
This bright and nourishing Orzo Soup with Spinach and Lemon is a cozy bowl of comfort with a fresh, zesty twist. Tender orzo simmers in a savory vegetable broth, then gets loaded with sweet carrots, celery, and a generous handful of spinach. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of zest wake everything up, making this an easy, weeknight-friendly soup that still feels special and uplifting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the orzo pasta. Reduce heat to a gentle boil and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Stir in the chopped spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and the flavors meld.
- Remove from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a slightly thicker soup, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after the orzo is cooked, or use a bit less broth.
- The soup will continue to thicken as it sits because the orzo absorbs liquid. Add extra broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
- Use a good-quality vegetable broth because it provides most of the flavor base in this simple soup.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your taste start with less and add more if you’d like it brighter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 700 mg (approx., varies by broth)
- Fat: 7 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 1 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 3 g (approx.)
- Protein: 6 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: orzo soup, spinach soup, lemon orzo soup, vegetarian soup, easy weeknight dinner, one-pot soup