Ina Garten Tomato Orzo Soup

Looking for a cozy and satisfying soup that’s still light and fresh? Ina Garten’s Tomato Orzo Soup hits all the right notes. It’s a simple, vibrant tomato-based soup enriched with tender orzo pasta, fragrant basil, and sometimes creamy parmesan or a hint of cream. Perfect for weeknight dinners, lunch meal prep, or comforting cold-day meals.

What Is Ina Garten’s Tomato Orzo Soup?

This soup combines a rich tomato base with orzo pasta, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Often finished with a sprinkle of parmesan or a swirl of cream, it’s a blend of classic tomato soup comfort with the heartiness of pasta—ideal for any time of year.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

• Barefoot Contessa Cream of Fresh Tomato Soup
• Barefoot Contessa Baked Shrimp Scampi
• Ina Garten Linguine with Shrimp Scampi
• Barefoot Contessa Easy Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Croutons
• Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Tomato Orzo Soup

• Simple and quick to make – Ready in under an hour
• Family-friendly and filling – Great with bread or salad
• Vegetarian-friendly – Or easily adaptable to vegan
• Freezer and meal-prep friendly – Makes excellent leftovers
• Elevated flavor with basic ingredients – Classic Ina approach
• Pairs beautifully with grilled cheese – The ultimate combo
• Balanced texture – Creamy broth with tender pasta

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Tomato Orzo Soup

• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ¾ cup orzo pasta
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
• Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Tomato Orzo Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook Orzo

Add the orzo and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Basil and Finish

Stir in chopped fresh basil. If using, add parmesan cheese or cream and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or more cheese.

What to Serve With Tomato Orzo Soup

• Grilled cheese sandwiches – Always a winning combo
• Crusty bread or garlic knots – Ideal for dipping
• Simple green salad – Light and refreshing
• Roasted vegetables – For a balanced plate
• Toasted pita or naan – A soft, flavorful side
• Stuffed peppers or mushrooms – Heartier dinner pairing
• Cheese toast or bruschetta – Elegant and easy

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Stir the orzo often – Prevents clumping or sticking to the bottom
• Use good-quality canned tomatoes – For deeper flavor
• Fresh basil is key – Dried basil doesn’t offer the same brightness
• Don’t overcook the orzo – It continues to absorb liquid after cooking
• Add cream or cheese off the heat – Prevents curdling
• Double the recipe for meal prep – It reheats beautifully
• Use an immersion blender before adding orzo – If you prefer a smoother base

Variations of the Recipe

• Use rice or small pasta shells instead of orzo – Adjust cook time
• Add spinach or kale at the end – For extra nutrients
• Include white beans or chickpeas – Boosts protein
• Top with a dollop of pesto – Adds rich herb flavor
• Swap cream for coconut milk – For a dairy-free twist
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes – For smoky depth
• Add cooked shredded chicken – To make it a full meal

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate in airtight container – Keeps for 4–5 days
• Orzo will continue to absorb broth – Add extra stock when reheating
• Reheat gently on the stovetop – Stir to prevent sticking
• Freeze before adding orzo for best texture – Pasta gets soft after thawing
• Label and date containers – Helpful for planning
• Divide into portions – Easy grab-and-go lunches
• Avoid boiling when reheating with cream – To prevent separation

How Do I Reuse Leftover Tomato Orzo Soup?

• Serve as a pasta sauce – Thicken slightly and pour over noodles
• Use as a base for baked pasta – Add cheese and bake
• Turn into tomato risotto – Stir in more rice and cheese
• Blend for a creamy tomato pasta soup – Add more broth and cream
• Top with eggs and bake – For a shakshuka-style dish
• Add vegetables or sausage – For a heartier stew
• Pour into mugs for sipping – Perfect light lunch

Nutritional Value (per 1½ cup serving)

• Calories: 260
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 580mg

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s tomato orzo soup ahead of time?

Yes, but the orzo will continue to absorb liquid. For best results, cook and store the soup without orzo, then add cooked orzo just before serving.

Can I freeze tomato orzo soup?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze it before adding orzo. Pasta becomes mushy after freezing, so add fresh orzo when reheating.

How do I keep orzo from sticking in the soup?

Stir the soup frequently while simmering and right after adding orzo to prevent it from clumping or sticking to the bottom.

Can I make this soup creamy?

Yes, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a generous handful of Parmesan cheese after cooking to add richness and a velvety texture.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Tomato Orzo Soup is the perfect balance of cozy and fresh. With rich tomato flavor, tender orzo pasta, and bright basil, it’s a bowl of comfort you’ll want to make again and again.

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