Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup Recipe
This Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish combining rich San Marzano tomatoes, tender vegetables, and gluten-free orzo pasta in a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup balances acidity with creaminess and fresh herbs for a satisfying bowl of goodness.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 peeled and chopped carrots
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried basil if necessary)
Liquids and Pantry Items
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 28 oz can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (about 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper recommended)
Pasta
- 1 cup cooked gluten-free orzo (approximately 1/2 cup uncooked)
- Heat the Oil and Prepare Veggies: In a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. While the oil is heating, chop the onions and carrots. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped carrots, onions, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. During this time, cook the orzo pasta separately according to package instructions.
- Blend and Simmer: After simmering, use a submersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If unavailable, carefully blend in batches using a traditional blender and return the soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and cooked orzo. Let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Season and Serve: Season with about 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh torn basil leaves for an aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use gluten-free orzo to keep the soup gluten-free.
- San Marzano tomatoes provide a sweeter, less acidic flavor but canned plum tomatoes can be substituted.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes for desired heat level or omit for mild soup.
- Make sure to cook orzo separately to avoid it absorbing too much liquid and making the soup too thick.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Tomato Orzo Soup, Gluten-Free Soup, Creamy Tomato Soup, Italian Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe