Barefoot Contessa’s Tomato Soup with Orzo is a comforting and elegant twist on the classic tomato soup. This creamy, flavorful soup includes tender orzo pasta, rich tomato base, and a touch of cream for a smooth finish—exactly the kind of cozy dish you’d expect from Ina Garten.

Perfect for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or serving alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, this soup is hearty enough to stand on its own yet refined enough for entertaining.

What Is Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup with Orzo?

This soup features a rich tomato base simmered with aromatics and herbs, then blended until smooth and finished with orzo pasta and a splash of cream. Ina Garten elevates this classic by balancing acidity, sweetness, and creaminess—resulting in a velvety soup that’s satisfying and flavorful.

Reasons to Try Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup with Orzo

Cozy and nourishing – A modern comfort food classic
Rich and smooth texture – Thanks to cream and slow simmering
Orzo adds heartiness – Turns soup into a satisfying meal
Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day
Freezer-friendly – Great for batch cooking
Versatile pairings – Serve with sandwiches, salads, or crusty bread
Kid-friendly and adult-approved – Simple flavors with a gourmet touch

Ingredients Needed to Make Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup with Orzo

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can San Marzano whole tomatoes
3 cups chicken stock (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup orzo pasta
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup with Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Add tomatoes and broth

Add the canned tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, oregano, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer and blend

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or carefully blend in batches using a standard blender.

Step 4: Cook the orzo

While the soup is simmering, cook orzo in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Add cream and basil

Stir the heavy cream and chopped basil into the blended soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Stir in the cooked orzo just before serving. Ladle into bowls, garnish with more basil and Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.

What Goes Well With Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup with Orzo

Grilled cheese sandwich – The classic companion
Toasted sourdough or garlic bread – Great for dipping
Caesar salad or arugula salad – Light, fresh contrast
Mozzarella sticks or baked cheese crisps – Cheesy snack pair
Roasted vegetables – Adds a warm side dish
Stuffed baked potatoes – A heartier combo
A glass of Pinot Noir or sparkling water with lemon – Complements the flavor

Key Tips for Making Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup with Orzo

Use San Marzano tomatoes – For rich, naturally sweet flavor
Sauté onions until soft, not browned – Keeps soup mellow
Blend carefully – Avoid splatter if using a blender
Cook orzo separately – Prevents overcooking in the soup
Add cream last – To avoid curdling and preserve creaminess
Season gradually – Taste as you go to balance acidity and salt
Garnish just before serving – Basil and Parmesan add a fresh finish

Creative Variations of Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup with Orzo

Add roasted red peppers – Blends beautifully for depth
Include a pinch of red pepper flakes – For a hint of spice
Stir in cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken – For protein
Use half-and-half instead of cream – Lighter, still creamy
Top with croutons or grilled halloumi – Adds crunch and richness
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar – Enhances sweetness and depth
Replace orzo with rice or ditalini pasta – For a twist on texture

Storage Guidelines for Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup with Orzo

Refrigerate in airtight containers – Lasts up to 4 days
Store orzo separately if possible – Prevents it from absorbing too much liquid
Cool completely before storing – Avoids condensation
Freeze without orzo – Soup freezes well up to 3 months

Reheating Tips for Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup with Orzo

Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat – Stir gently and often
Microwave: Heat in intervals, stirring between – Cover to prevent splatter
Add a splash of broth or cream if thickened – Restores smooth consistency
Add orzo right before serving – Keeps texture fresh
Top with fresh herbs after reheating – Brightens flavor

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 280
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 580mg

A well-rounded, comforting bowl that’s light yet satisfying.

FAQs

Can I freeze Barefoot Contessa tomato soup with orzo?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the orzo. Add freshly cooked orzo after reheating to maintain the best texture.

What type of tomatoes does Ina Garten use for her tomato soup?

Ina often recommends San Marzano canned whole tomatoes for their rich flavor and low acidity, which are ideal for soups and sauces.

Can I make this tomato soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to make a fully vegetarian version.

Do I need to cook the orzo separately before adding it to the soup?

Yes, cooking the orzo separately prevents it from becoming too soft or soaking up too much of the soup’s liquid.

Wrapping Up

Barefoot Contessa’s Tomato Soup with Orzo is everything a homemade soup should be—creamy, cozy, full of flavor, and easy to make. It’s the kind of timeless dish that warms you from the inside out and fits beautifully into a casual lunch or elegant dinner. Make a big batch—you’ll definitely want leftovers.

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