There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl packed with fresh vegetables and tender pasta. That’s exactly what this Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe delivers—a soothing dish perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, you’ll love how this soup comes together with simple ingredients to create big, delicious flavor.

A white bowl filled with a colorful vegetable soup, showing multiple layers and pieces. The top layer has chunks of orange carrots, white potatoes, and red tomatoes floating in a clear orange broth. There are small green leafy herbs mixed throughout, and thin pieces of orzo pasta scattered on top. At the right edge of the bowl, a wooden spoon with visible grain rests inside the soup. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with part of a black and white checkered cloth at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Vegetable Orzo Soup, healthy vegetable soup, hearty vegetable pasta, easy vegetable soup recipe, comforting vegetable soup

Jump to:

In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

🥄

In the Kitchen

I love this Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe because it balances tender orzo pasta with a medley of savory vegetables in a fragrant broth that's both nourishing and easy to prepare. You’ll notice the rich, cozy aroma that fills your kitchen, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: The key is cooking the orzo just until al dente and letting the potatoes soften perfectly without turning mushy.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: A touch of brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce adds depth without overpowering the fresh vegetable flavors.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Basic pantry staples like garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning combine to make a broth that’s hearty and vibrant.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: This soup offers flexibility—you can make it quickly or let it simmer longer for even richer layers.

Ingredients at a Glance

Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe - Recipe Image — Vegetable Orzo Soup, healthy vegetable soup, hearty vegetable pasta, easy vegetable soup recipe, comforting vegetable soup

For this Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe, quality produce and a flavorful vegetable broth really make the difference. I always recommend fresh carrots and celery for crunch and sweetness, along with ripe tomatoes for a hint of acidity that brightens the whole bowl.

Butter or olive oil: Choose unsalted butter for a cleaner flavor or olive oil for a subtle fruitiness.
Onion, carrots, celery: Fresh and firm vegetables help build that classic soup base known as mirepoix.
Garlic: Use fresh cloves minced just before cooking for the brightest aroma.
Tomato paste: Look for good-quality paste packed in tubes for easy measuring and less waste.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best—they hold their shape while softening nicely.
Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes with juices bring acidity and body even out of season.
Vegetable broth: Use low sodium so you can control the salt level precisely.
Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar: These add savory and sweet notes for a balanced broth.
Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that complements the vegetables without overwhelming.
Orzo pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and adds nice texture.
Frozen sweet corn: Adds pops of sweetness late in cooking for freshness.
Fresh parsley and lemon juice (optional): Brighten the final flavor with herbs and a splash of acid.
Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top lends a salty, nutty finish that’s hard to resist.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements and detailed instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe

Step 1 — Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery—a classic trio called mirepoix—and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until they soften and become slightly golden. You’ll recognize the kitchen filling with a sweet, inviting fragrance. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, but don’t rush this step; those softened veggies build the soup’s soul.

Step 2 — Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Next, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook everything together for about 1 minute, just until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the garlic becomes fragrant. This quick step adds a wonderful depth, so keep the heat moderate to avoid burning—the aroma at this point hints that something special is happening.

Step 3 — Combine Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Broth

Now it’s time to add the cubed potatoes, canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, and the vegetable broth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and celery salt. Bring this mix to a boil to start melding those flavors. I love this moment because the bubbling pot hints at a cozy meal coming together, but be patient—you’ll simmer it down next.

Step 4 — Simmer with Orzo for Tender Perfection

Once boiling, stir in the dry orzo pasta, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to test the orzo—the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite, cooked al dente. This cooking time also softens the potatoes fully. The broth thickens slightly as the starches release, creating a luscious, satisfying mouthfeel.

Step 5 — Add Corn and Finish Seasoning

In the final 5 minutes, toss in the frozen sweet corn—you’re giving the soup a burst of crunch and sweetness that livens the whole dish. Before serving, taste and adjust with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Finally, stir in fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if you want a little extra zing. The bright green parsley cuts through the richness, and acidity lifts every spoonful.

📋

Things to Remember

From my experience, the magic of this Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe really lies in timing and seasoning. Keeping an eye on how the orzo cooks and layering seasoning in steps ensures you end up with a balanced, comforting soup every time.

Doneness Cue: The orzo should be just tender but not mushy; it continues to absorb liquid even off heat.
Temperature Trick: Simmer gently instead of boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear and flavors clean.
Make-Ahead Move: Soup flavors deepen after resting overnight, so it’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Common Pitfall: Avoid adding orzo too early; it will overcook and turn mushy.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

A simple sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese transforms this vegetable orzo soup into a rich, indulgent experience. I also like adding a pinch of cracked black pepper and a few extra fresh parsley leaves on top. If you want a little brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving really rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Plays Well With

Pair this soup with crusty bread or warm focaccia to soak up every last savory drop. A crisp green salad adds a refreshing crunch, while a light white wine or sparkling water complements the herbaceous broth without overpowering it. These simple sides help balance the meal and add varied textures.

Simple Plating Upgrades

For a weeknight, a generous bowl with a spoonful of cheese and parsley feels just right. For guests, try serving in shallow bowls garnished with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprig of parsley for a pop of color. You can even add toasted pine nuts or a few chili flakes if you want to take it up a notch.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The orzo will continue absorbing broth, so the soup thickens and softens over time. To maintain the best texture, you might add a splash of vegetable broth when reheating.

Freezing Tips

This soup freezes well, but orzo can become a bit mushy after thawing. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup without orzo and cooking it freshly when you reheat. If freezing with orzo, use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe Without Drying Out

To reheat, gently warm your soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. In the microwave, cover the container loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Avoid overheating, which can make the orzo mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo in this vegetable soup?

Yes, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells, but keep in mind the cooking times may vary. Orzo is preferred because it cooks quickly and blends smoothly into the broth.

How can I make this soup vegan?

Simply use olive oil instead of butter and make sure to use a vegan Worcestershire sauce, as some contain anchovies. Also, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative for serving.

Is this Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and flavors deepen overnight. Just store it in airtight containers and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the orzo.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Absolutely. Adding cooked beans, like cannellini, or shredded rotisserie chicken can make it more filling. Add these at the end to heat through without overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want something nourishing, flavorful, and uncomplicated. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and always delivers that warm comfort we all crave. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the way the orzo and veggies create a satisfying, cozy meal that's easy enough for any night but special enough to share. I can’t wait to hear how it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!

Full Printable Recipe