Name: Italian Orzo Spinach Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small white onion, diced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 6 to 8 cups chicken or vegetable stock; 1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 cup (8 ounces) uncooked orzo pasta; 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach or kale; Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; Optional Toppings: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil

Jump to Recipe

A bowl of Italian Orzo Spinach Soup is like tucking into a warm, homemade hug with every spoonful. This beautifully simple yet hearty soup is loaded with the flavors of Italy—think aromatic garlic, sweet carrots, herbal Italian seasoning, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta all swirling together in a cozy tomato-infused broth. Whether you’re after a fuss-free weeknight dinner or a feel-good lunch that reheats like a dream, this vibrant vegetable-and-pasta soup always delivers. Plus, it’s versatile enough to welcome whatever greens you love, making it a staple worth revisiting again and again.

Italian Orzo Spinach Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting a fantastic Italian Orzo Spinach Soup hinges on a few straightforward ingredients you probably have on hand. Each one brings essential flavor, heartiness, or color to the table, so don’t skip any! Here’s what makes this recipe truly special:

Olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil to start, infusing the base with rich flavor right from the first sizzle.
White onion: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth, creating the classic aromatic backbone of the soup.
Carrots: Brighten the soup both visually and in taste with their natural sweetness.
Celery: Adds a gentle, earthy crunch that balances out the sweetness of the other veggies.
Garlic: Six cloves may seem generous, but it’s essential for that warm, lingering flavor Italian soups are known for.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust to taste for a hint of heat that enlivens every bite.
Chicken or vegetable stock: Choose a flavorful, full-bodied stock to carry all the other ingredients; go with vegetable for a vegetarian version.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: These add a smoky-sweet richness you simply can’t get from regular canned tomatoes.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that conjures up all the classic Italian flavors in one easy spoonful.
Orzo pasta: These tender, rice-shaped pasta pieces cook directly in the broth, soaking up loads of flavor.
Fresh baby spinach or kale: Toss in hearty handfuls for color and a boost of nutrients—you can mix or match as you wish!
Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper: The finishing touch to balance all the beautiful flavors.
Optional toppings – Parmesan cheese and fresh basil: The perfect way to finish with even more flavor and a little fresh flair.

How to Make Italian Orzo Spinach Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating up your olive oil in a large, sturdy stockpot set over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these classic soup starters for about 5–7 minutes while stirring now and then, until everything is soft and fragrant—this step lays the foundation for every spoonful to come. Add in the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes next, cooking for an additional 2 minutes, and savor that kitchen-filling aroma!

Step 2: Simmer the Soup

With your vegetables nicely softened, pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, then add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over everything. Give the pot a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; you’ll start to see the vegetables and herbs mingling beautifully. Reduce the heat to medium-low at this point to keep the simmer going without boiling over.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Now for the orzo—that trademark shape of Italian Orzo Spinach Soup. Stir the uncooked orzo right into the simmering broth. Pop the lid on the pot and let everything bubble gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and pay attention: you want the orzo just al dente, so taste a piece after about 8 minutes. Overcooking will make it mushy, so keep an eye out!

Step 4: Add Spinach and Season

Once the orzo is perfectly tender, drop in your fresh spinach (or kale if you like a heartier green) by the handful. Stir until wilted—just a minute or two. Now, season your Italian Orzo Spinach Soup with fine sea salt and plenty of cracked black pepper, tasting as you go until it sings with flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your steaming soup into bowls right away. Pile on some freshly grated Parmesan or scatter bright green basil leaves on top—both make wonderful finishing touches. Then, gather everyone around, pass out some crusty bread, and enjoy the coziness of this classic Italian Orzo Spinach Soup together.

How to Serve Italian Orzo Spinach Soup

Garnishes

The right garnish can elevate this soup from humble to show-stopping. A shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, creamy finish, while a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil lends brightness and a whiff of summer. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a crack of black pepper right before serving can work wonders, too.

Side Dishes

This soup is lovely all on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread—think Italian ciabatta or even a warm baguette—turns it into a truly satisfying meal. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is a nice counterpart, offering a refreshing crunch next to the warm, brothy comfort of Italian Orzo Spinach Soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a gathering, serve your soup in cute mini mugs or espresso cups as appetizers. You can let everyone add their own toppings to create a DIY soup bar—fun for family nights or casual parties. Or, for an extra homey touch, ladle the Italian Orzo Spinach Soup into colorful, rustic bowls and present it family-style in the center of your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Italian Orzo Spinach Soup are a real treat—just let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The orzo will soak up more broth as it sits, so be prepared to add a little extra stock or water when reheating.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your soup, it’s best to do so before adding the orzo, as pasta doesn’t always freeze with the ideal texture. Portion out the cooled vegetable and broth mixture (without orzo) into freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to serve, reheat and cook fresh orzo directly in the simmering broth for the best results. Soup can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat Italian Orzo Spinach Soup, simply pour the desired amount into a pot and warm gently over medium heat. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash or two of extra stock or water until you reach your desired consistency. Finish with a fresh dash of salt or pepper if needed.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Orzo Spinach Soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the regular orzo for a gluten-free version, which is widely available at most supermarkets. Make sure to cook it gently and check doneness earlier, as some gluten-free pastas cook faster than traditional orzo.

Can I use kale instead of spinach?

Definitely! Kale is a great option if you prefer a more robust green. Tear it into bite-sized pieces and add it a couple of minutes earlier than you would spinach, since it needs slightly longer to wilt to perfect tenderness.

How can I add protein to this soup?

For a protein boost, try stirred-in cooked shredded chicken, cannellini beans, or even turkey sausage. These additions make Italian Orzo Spinach Soup even more satisfying and turn it into a well-rounded meal.

What if I only have regular diced tomatoes?

No worries—you can still make a delicious soup. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a touch of smokiness, but regular diced tomatoes will work just fine and still give you that wonderful tomato richness.

Can I make Italian Orzo Spinach Soup in advance?

Italian Orzo Spinach Soup is fantastic for meal prep. For best results, cook the orzo separately and add it just before serving to avoid overly soft pasta when reheating. The flavors only get better as they meld together in the fridge!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a flavorful, soul-warming meal that’s easy enough for any night, you absolutely can’t go wrong with Italian Orzo Spinach Soup. It’s a timeless favorite in my kitchen, and after just one taste, I’m confident it’ll become a staple in yours, too. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Italian Orzo Spinach Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful Italian Orzo Spinach Soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty soup is filled with vegetables, orzo pasta, and aromatic Italian seasonings, finished off with a touch of fresh spinach for a nutritious twist.

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables – Heat olive oil in a large stockpot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes.
Simmer the Soup – Pour in stock, add tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
Cook the Orzo – Stir in orzo, cover, and simmer until al dente.
Add Spinach and Season – Mix in spinach or kale until wilted. Adjust seasoning.
Serve and Enjoy – Ladle soup into bowls, top with Parmesan or basil, and serve.