If you’re craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you have to try this Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup. It’s a velvety blend of rich crushed San Marzano tomatoes, tender orzo pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables all simmered to perfection. Each spoonful bursts with vibrant flavors—from the sweetness of sautéed carrots and onions to the subtle heat of crushed red pepper. It’s not just soup; it’s a complete, nourishing experience that’s effortless to prepare and impossible to resist.

Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating a delicious Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup. Each one plays a vital role, ensuring the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so memorable.

Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for sautéing and flavor depth.
Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch once softened.
Chopped carrots: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
Minced garlic cloves: Infuse aromatic warmth and complexity.
Crushed red pepper: Offers a gentle spicy kick to enliven the broth.
Crushed San Marzano tomatoes: The star ingredient, these tomatoes give a robust and slightly sweet tomato flavor.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and savory notes to make the soup hearty.
Heavy cream: Creates a smooth, luscious texture for a comforting finish.
Cooked gluten-free orzo: Tender little pasta pearls that provide substance and soak up all the delicious flavors.
Torn fresh basil leaves: Sprinkle freshness and a touch of herbal brightness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other ingredients.

How to Make Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil and Prepare Veggies

Begin by warming up the extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat. While the oil is getting ready, chop the carrots and onions so they’re set to go. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the chopped carrots and onions along with a pinch of crushed red pepper. Sauté these until the onions turn translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes — this step unlocks their natural sweetness and builds a savory foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant, which elevates the depth of the soup’s flavor. Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and chicken stock, then bring the mixture all the way to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let this develop for 20 minutes. This slow simmer melds the flavors beautifully while giving you a perfect opportunity to cook your orzo pasta separately according to package directions.

Step 3: Blend and Simmer

After the cooking time, use a submersion blender right in the pot to blend the soup until silky smooth. Don’t worry if you don’t have one—carefully transfer the soup to a blender in portions and blend until creamy, then return it to your pot. Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked orzo, then let the soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This ensures the flavors marry perfectly while the orzo absorbs the savory broth.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper—start with a couple teaspoons of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, then taste and adjust as needed. Ladle the Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup into bowls and garnish with torn fresh basil right before serving for a burst of freshness that pairs wonderfully with the rich soup base.

How to Serve Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup

Garnishes

Enhance the dish by adding vibrant garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a few shavings of Parmesan cheese for a savory lift. These little touches make the soup feel special and add layers of flavor and texture with each bite.

Side Dishes

This soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad to bring some refreshing crunch or a crusty piece of garlic bread for dipping. For a heartier meal, accompany it with a simple roasted vegetable medley to keep the meal balanced and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving the Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup in clear glass mugs or mini soup bowls for a cozy, intimate vibe. Alternatively, hollow out a small round sourdough loaf and ladle the soup into the bread bowl for an edible presentation that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You’re going to love having leftovers of this soup for busy days. Store your cooled Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. Leave out the orzo if you plan to freeze because pasta can get mushy after thawing. Freeze the soup base in sealed containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and cook the orzo fresh to maintain perfect texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If your soup was frozen without the orzo, cook some fresh orzo separately and stir it in just before serving to keep the texture ideal and the soup feeling fresh.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based milk for a delicious vegan twist that maintains creaminess and flavor.

Is orzo always made with gluten?

Traditional orzo is made with wheat, but you can easily find gluten-free orzo alternatives made from rice or corn, which work perfectly in this soup without compromising taste or texture.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes are lovely in this soup when in season. Use about 2 pounds of ripe, peeled, and chopped tomatoes. Keep in mind, canned San Marzano tomatoes have a distinct sweetness and consistency that gives the soup its signature rich flavor.

How spicy is this soup with the crushed red pepper?

The crushed red pepper adds just a subtle warmth without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the quantity based on your spice preference, using less if you want a milder flavor or more if you like it with a kick.

Can I prepare the soup without blending?

You can serve the soup chunky if you prefer more texture by skipping the blending step. The flavors will still be amazing, and it will feel heartier with visible pieces of carrots, onions, and tomatoes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup enough—it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table and warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or want a reliable go-to meal to make ahead, this soup fits the bill perfectly. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making this delightful bowl of comfort. You’re going to love every spoonful.