A warm bowl of soup is pure comfort—especially this creamy tomato spinach orzo soup. Sweet, savory, and velvety rich, it blends tender orzo, tangy tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luscious broth. Perfect for cozy nights or quick weeknight meals, this soup delivers layers of flavor and nourishment in every spoonful.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup: A Sweet, savory Delight
Creamy tomato spinach orzo soup captures the harmonious dance between bold sweetness and savory richness, delivering a bowl of pure comfort with every spoonful. This soup transforms humble ingredients into a velvety, luscious experience, where fresh spinach breathes life into a vibrant tomato base, and tender orzo adds that perfect bite of heartiness. whether emerging from a chilly evening or seeking a nourishing meal, this recipe is poised to become yoru go-to for that soul-soothing crave.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6 comfortably
Difficulty Level
Easy & approachable for all home cooks
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta (see notes on choosing the best orzo below)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir often to ensure it doesn’t brown, which keeps the flavor sweet and delicate.
- Add the garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant, releasing that enticing aroma that builds the foundation of the soup.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes. This slow heating deepens the tomato’s natural sweetness and rounds out acidity.
- Stir in the orzo. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente).Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring each tiny pasta grain cooks evenly, contributing to the soup’s luxurious texture.
- Lower the heat. Add the fresh spinach gradually, stirring it in until just wilted-not overcooked-to keep its vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
- Swirl in the half-and-half or cream slowly to achieve that rich, velvety consistency without breaking the soup’s vivid tomato hue.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.Remember, the right seasoning amplifies both sweet and savory notes, achieving the perfect balance.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot, with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last drop.
Chef’s Notes: Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
- Choosing the best orzo: Opt for a quality durum wheat orzo, which holds shape well and provides a chewy, comforting texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy broth.
- Spinach timing matters: Adding spinach at the end preserves its nutrients, bright color, and fresh earthy flavor, taking this soup from good to remarkable.
- Balancing sweetness and acidity: Use San Marzano tomatoes for their natural sweetness and low acidity. If your tomatoes taste too tart, a teaspoon of sugar balances the profile perfectly.
- Make-ahead magic: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld-store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Dairy alternatives: For a lighter or dairy-free option, substitute cream with coconut milk or oat milk, though this will subtly alter the flavor.
- Boost umami: For deeper richness, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions or a splash of soy sauce or miso paste in the broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy tomato spinach orzo soup in rustic bowls to enhance its cozy appeal. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top adds a glossy finish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a scatter of torn baby spinach for a pop of color. complement each bowl with a side of crunchy garlic bread or a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a perfectly balanced meal. For an added indulgence,a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of crème fraîche elevates each bite.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
Internal Resource: Discover our Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta for another luscious tomato-based dish.
External Resource: learn more about choosing quality orzo and pasta shapes at Serious Eats – Pasta Shapes Explained.
Q&A
Q&A: Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup - A Sweet, Savory Delight
Q1: What makes Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup stand out from other tomato soups?
A1: Unlike your typical tomato soup, this recipe marries the vibrant tang of ripe tomatoes with the lush creaminess of a dreamy broth.The addition of tender spinach leaves adds a fresh, earthy note, while orzo pasta brings comforting bite-sized heartiness. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and silky textures that dance on your palate.
Q2: how does the sweetness come through in this soup? Is sugar added?
A2: The natural sweetness primarily comes from slow-cooked tomatoes and caramelized onions. As these ingredients simmer together, their sugars amplify, creating a gentle, underlying sweetness. Some recipes might add a hint of honey or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, but the true magic is in coaxing out the tomatoes’ inherent flavor.
Q3: Why is orzo chosen as the pasta in this soup?
A3: Orzo is perfect for this soup because its petite, rice-like shape complements the silky broth without overwhelming it. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavors well, and adds just the right amount of substance to make the soup satisfying without heavy carbs.
Q4: Can this soup be made vegan or dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess?
A4: Absolutely! To keep it creamy without dairy, blend in soaked cashews or use coconut milk or almond milk.Nutritional yeast can add a subtle cheesy note, while blending a portion of the cooked cauliflower into the soup can boost creaminess naturally.
Q5: How do I keep the spinach vibrant and fresh in the soup?
A5: Add the spinach toward the end of the cooking process and simmer just long enough for it to wilt gently. This preserves its bright green color and fresh flavor, preventing it from becoming mushy or dull.
Q6: What are some fun ways to garnish or serve this soup?
A6: A swirl of fresh basil pesto, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, or even a dash of chili flakes can elevate the flavor profile. serve with crusty garlic bread or a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan for a cozy, gourmet touch.
Q7: Is this soup suitable for meal prep and freezing?
A7: Yes! It reheats beautifully. To preserve texture,consider adding fresh spinach after reheating. Orzo can sometimes absorb too much liquid during freezing; if that happens, simply add a splash of broth while warming up.
Q8: Can I customize the soup with additional ingredients?
A8: Definitely! Think roasted red peppers for a smoky twist, a handful of kale instead of spinach, or a dash of smoked paprika to deepen the savoriness. The recipe welcomes creativity while maintaining its creamy, comforting essence.
Concluding Remarks
As the final spoonful of this creamy tomato spinach orzo soup warms your palate,you’ll find yourself savoring more than just flavors-you’ll experience a comforting embrace in every bite. This sweet, savory delight marries vibrant garden-fresh ingredients with a velvety texture that feels like a gentle hug on a chilly day. Whether served as a nourishing lunch or a cozy dinner starter, this soup invites you to celebrate the harmony of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.So next time you crave a bowl of goodness that’s both heartwarming and wholesome, let this recipe be your go-to comfort companion. After all, great food isn’t just about taste-it’s about creating moments of satisfaction and joy in every spoonful.
