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Easy & Cozy Italian Orzo Spinach Soup

Close-up of a white bowl filled with vibrant italian orzo spinach soup, featuring orzo pasta and dark green spinach.
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Make this light yet flavorful Italian Orzo Spinach Soup for a comforting, nourishing meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook according to the package directions for the orzo, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
  5. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Do not overcook the spinach.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, if using.
  7. Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve this cozy comfort meal hot.

Notes

  • For a heartier dish, you can add 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken or 1/2 pound of cooked Italian sausage when you add the broth.
  • If you want a thicker broth, cook the orzo slightly longer, or stir in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water during the last minute of cooking.
  • This is a great recipe for a make-ahead lunch; store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/italian-orzo-spinach-soup-recipe/