... Print

Easy & Cozy Italian Orzo Spinach Soup

Close-up of a white bowl filled with Italian orzo spinach soup, featuring pasta, carrots, and greens.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Welcome to My Kitchen! I am sharing my simple recipe for Italian Orzo Spinach Soup. This nourishing soup features tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and savory Italian flavors in a light, comforting broth. It is a perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and 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)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional addition: 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed and browned

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. If you are using Italian sausage, add the browned sausage now and stir to combine with the vegetables.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the dry orzo pasta. Cook according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the broth.
  7. Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until it wilts completely into the soup. This takes about 2 minutes.
  8. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  9. Serve immediately in bowls. Offer extra Parmesan cheese at the table.

Notes

  • For a heartier meal, brown Italian sausage before starting step 1 and add it back in step 3.
  • You can cook the orzo pasta separately and add it at the end if you plan to save leftovers, as orzo absorbs liquid quickly.
  • This recipe works well in a slow cooker; combine all ingredients except orzo and spinach, cook on low for 6 hours, then add orzo for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Add spinach at the end.

Nutrition

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