Are you a busy professional or a parent juggling a thousand tasks yet dreaming of a simple, tasty meal?
Looking for a cozy dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? If you’re nodding your head, you’ll love this Healthy Spinach Orzo Soup. It’s the kind of comforting dish that warms you up from the inside out, with every spoonful brimming with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. The combination of fresh spinach and tender orzo creates a delightful texture, while the aromatic blend of garlic and onion elevates this soup from ordinary to extraordinary.
Why should you make this recipe? Well, it’s quick to whip up, uses ingredients you probably already have at home, and it turns out beautifully every time. Plus, it’s perfectly balanced for a nutritious meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Made with pantry staples
- Perfect for weekly meal prep
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
Ingredients for Healthy Spinach Orzo Soup
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Healthy Spinach Orzo Soup
Sauté the onions and garlic in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the diced carrot and celery, stirring for another 5 minutes to soften the vegetables.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Stir in the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer, cooking for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
Fold in the fresh spinach and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth of your healthy soup!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the sautéing. This step builds a foundation of flavor that makes your soup shine.
- Cook the orzo al dente. It will continue to absorb liquid even after cooking, so you want it just right.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning. A little extra squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of herbs can make a big difference!
Substitutions & Variations of Healthy Spinach Orzo Soup
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: You can easily keep this recipe vegan by ensuring the broth is plant-based. For a gluten-free option, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta.
Variations: Love a little heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes! You can also stir in a scoop of your favorite pesto or add cannellini beans for extra protein and creaminess.
Storage Instructions of Healthy Spinach Orzo Soup
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Make-Ahead: Chop all the vegetables a day ahead to save time when you’re ready to cook!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Healthy Spinach Orzo Soup
Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Feel free to add any veggies you have on hand, such as zucchini or bell peppers.
How can I store leftover orzo soup? Just follow the storage instructions above, and it will stay fresh and delicious.
Is orzo gluten-free? Traditional orzo is made from wheat, but you can use gluten-free orzo or pasta substitutes as mentioned.
Final Toughts
Whether you’re running around after kids, working long hours, or simply want a cozy meal after a long day, this Healthy Spinach Orzo Soup is just what you need. Quick, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, it invites you to slow down and savor each comforting spoonful. So, grab those ingredients from your kitchen, whip up this delightful soup, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below! Enjoy your wholesome creation!
Print
Healthy Spinach Orzo Soup
A quick, comforting soup that combines fresh spinach and tender orzo in a flavorful vegetable broth, perfect for busy nights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the onions and garlic in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced carrot and celery, stirring for another 5 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer, cooking for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Fold in the fresh spinach and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth of your healthy soup!
Notes
Don’t skip the sautéing step; it builds flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for the best result.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free