This Tomato Orzo Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy lunches or light dinners. Featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in a flavorful tomato broth with fresh herbs and vegetables, it’s easy to make and packed with vibrant, wholesome flavors. This soup is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed year-round as a warming and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant.

2. Pour in the broth and canned tomatoes with their juice. Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

3. Add orzo pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal

• Protein: 6-8 g

• Fat: 5-7 g

• Carbohydrates: 40-45 g

• Fiber: 3-4 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Sodium: 600-700 mg

The Comfort of Tomato-Based Soups

Tomato soups have a timeless appeal thanks to their balance of acidity, sweetness, and earthiness. The tomato broth in this recipe serves as a flavorful foundation, providing richness and depth without heaviness. Tomatoes are naturally high in umami, which enhances savory dishes and adds a pleasant depth of flavor. The canned diced tomatoes bring convenience while maintaining a fresh, bright taste that elevates the soup. Whether served hot on a chilly day or enjoyed as a light meal, tomato-based soups offer comfort and nourishment, often invoking a sense of home and tradition.

Orzo Pasta: A Delightful Addition

Orzo pasta is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and adds a pleasing texture to the soup. Its delicate shape allows it to absorb the flavors of the tomato broth without overpowering the dish, contributing to the overall heartiness and making the soup more filling. Orzo provides a source of carbohydrates that help sustain energy, making the soup suitable as a light yet complete meal. Its quick cooking time fits perfectly with the simplicity of the soup, ensuring the entire dish comes together efficiently. Orzo also offers versatility—it can be replaced with other small pastas or grains depending on preference or dietary restrictions.

Herbs and Aromatics: Elevating the Flavor

Aromatic vegetables like onions and garlic lay the flavor foundation for the soup. Their gentle sautéing releases natural sweetness and savory notes that deepen the broth’s complexity. The addition of dried oregano and basil infuses the soup with classic Mediterranean flavors that complement the tomato base beautifully. These herbs add subtle earthiness and aromatic warmth, enhancing the overall flavor without overwhelming the palate. Fresh parsley or basil garnish brightens the dish just before serving, adding a fresh herbal lift and vibrant color that enhances the soup’s presentation and taste.

Nutritional Benefits and Balance

Tomato Orzo Soup provides a well-rounded nutritional profile that fits well into a balanced diet. Tomatoes contribute important vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants like lycopene, which support immune function and reduce inflammation. The soup offers a moderate amount of protein and fiber from the orzo and vegetables, promoting fullness and digestive health. Olive oil adds healthy fats, improving nutrient absorption and adding richness without heaviness. The soup’s relatively low calorie content and balanced macronutrients make it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy flavorful meals while maintaining health-conscious eating habits.

The Role of Olive Oil

Olive oil is more than just a cooking fat in this recipe—it adds a subtle fruity richness and helps to meld the flavors together. By sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, the base of the soup gains a smooth, rounded mouthfeel and a depth that would be difficult to achieve otherwise. Olive oil is also packed with monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and help reduce inflammation. Its inclusion enhances the soup’s nutritional profile and complements the freshness of the herbs and brightness of the tomatoes.

Customizing and Enhancing the Soup

One of the strengths of Tomato Orzo Soup lies in its adaptability. The soup can be easily customized to suit individual tastes or dietary needs. For added protein, cooked chicken, turkey, or beans can be stirred in. Vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or carrots can be added for extra nutrients and color. For a creamier texture, a splash of cream or coconut milk can be incorporated. Adjusting the herbs—adding thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes—can tailor the flavor profile to be more earthy, aromatic, or spicy. This flexibility makes the soup a versatile choice for many occasions.

Meal Prep and Storage

Tomato Orzo Soup is an excellent candidate for meal prepping due to its straightforward preparation and good storage properties. It reheats well, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. The soup can be portioned into containers for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. When reheating, adding a bit of extra broth or water can restore its original texture, especially as the orzo absorbs liquid over time. This convenience adds to its appeal for busy households or anyone seeking nourishing meals without daily cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This soup can be served on its own for a light meal or paired with crusty bread or a simple green salad for added substance. Toppings like grated Parmesan cheese add savory umami, enhancing the richness and complexity of the dish. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can bring additional depth or heat. For a heartier option, a side of roasted vegetables or a grain bowl can complement the fresh, bright flavors of the soup.

Why Tomato Orzo Soup is a Year-Round Favorite

While it’s especially comforting in cooler months, Tomato Orzo Soup is versatile enough to be enjoyed throughout the year. The fresh herbs and light broth make it refreshing in spring and summer, while the warming tomato base and tender pasta provide satisfying comfort in fall and winter. Its adaptability to seasonal vegetables and proteins makes it a reliable, crowd-pleasing staple. Its ease of preparation and balance of flavors also make it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners, lunchboxes, or casual entertaining.

Conclusion

Tomato Orzo Soup is a wholesome, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings together tender orzo pasta, vibrant tomato broth, fresh herbs, and aromatics into a satisfying meal. Its combination of bright, fresh flavors and hearty textures makes it perfect for cozy lunches, light dinners, or meal prep throughout the year. Nutritionally balanced and easily customizable, this soup appeals to a broad range of tastes and dietary needs. Its simplicity in preparation, along with the comforting familiarity of tomato and pasta, ensures it will remain a beloved recipe in any home cook’s repertoire. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a light summer lunch, Tomato Orzo Soup promises warmth, nourishment, and deliciousness in every bowl.