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    Home » Recipes » Soup

    Tomato Orzo Soup with Spinach

    Apr 30, 2018 by Kaitlin

    This 30-minute vegan Tomato Orzo Spinach Soup is quick to make with only 7 simple ingredients. It's full of flavor and makes an easy lunch or dinner. (Plus great in the summertime topped with fresh basil!)

    Bowl of tomato orzo spinach soup topped with fresh basil

    This soup is quick and easy, but full of fresh flavor and great texture from the orzo.

    I'm a soup year-round kind of girl, so I think this lighter-style soup works great even in the summertime.

    Plus it pairs great with fresh basil. Add some before serving for a bright, summer taste!

    Uncooked orzo pasta in a small jar with spoon

    Ingredients for Tomato Orzo Soup

    For this recipe you will simmer in a large pot:

    • Yellow onion: Or use white onion or sweet onion if desired.
    • Fresh garlic cloves: I like the taste of fresh garlic best in this soup, but you can easily substitute dried garlic powder if needed.
    • Canned diced tomatoes: Either regular or fire-roasted tomatoes work great.
    • Orzo pasta
    • Fresh baby spinach: I like spinach, but you can also substitute with kale or other greens if desired.
    • Vegetable broth: Be sure to use low sodium broth if needed.
    • Dried basil: Or swap in other herbs such as dried parsley, dried oregano, Italian seasonings, etc.
    • Fresh basil for serving: This is an optional, but it's flavorful addition to add right before serving.
    Soup topped with fresh basil in a white bowl

    Customizing

    For gluten-free: Substitute the orzo with your favorite gluten-free pasta, quinoa, or rice.

    Thickness: I like my soups on the thicker side, so feel free to slightly reduce the orzo if you don’t want yours as thick. (It will also continue thickening as it sits since the orzo soaks up more liquid.)

    More tomato: For an extra thick and rich tomato-flavored broth, also stir in a 15-ounce can tomato sauce. (Simply pour this into the pot when you add the veggie broth and diced tomatoes.)

    Herbs + garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add another clove or two. You can also add bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, red pepper flakes, etc.

    Veggies + beans: Try different variations with zucchini, summer squash, celery, carrots, or bell pepper. You can also add chickpeas (garbanzo beans) or white beans for added plant-based protein and fiber.

    No canned tomatoes? You could even prepare this soup with fresh, ripe tomatoes in place of the canned tomatoes!

    Close up view of vegan tomato orzo soup with spinach

    Serving

    Garnish: Serve your bowl garnished with fresh basil or parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or croutons if desired.

    Pairing: This soup also pairs great with a simple salad, slices of crusty bread, or sandwiches.

    Storing

    Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. We find they keep for about 4-5 days.

    Freezing: I have not tried freezing this recipe, but generally speaking, soups with pasta do not freeze and reheat as well.

    Tomato Soup with orzo and spinach in a bowl with spoon

    For more inspiration, also browse all vegan soup recipes.

    Bowl of tomato orzo spinach soup topped with fresh basil

    Tomato Orzo Soup with Spinach

    This soup is quick and only 7 simple ingredients, but full of flavor. Great topped with fresh basil!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free Option, Oil-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 5 medium bowls

    Ingredients

    • 1 yellow onion
    • 3-4 cloves garlic
    • 28 oz. can diced tomatoes (regular or fire-roasted)
    • 1/2 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
    • 2-3 cups fresh baby spinach
    • 4 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil (or other herbs – oregano, thyme, rosemary)
    • Salt to taste
    • Recommended: fresh basil for serving

    Instructions

    • Dice onion.
    • In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté onion for about 8 minutes. (I use about 3 Tbsp. water/broth for no-oil sauté method, adding more as needed.)
    • While onion is cooking, mince garlic.
    • Add garlic and dried basil. Sauté for 1 minute.
    • Add vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with juice.
    • Cover and bring to a light boil.
    • Add orzo. Stir, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until orzo is cooked.
    • Stir in spinach during last couple minutes of cooking.
    • Salt to taste and serve with fresh julienned basil if desired.

    Notes

    Gluten-free option: Substitute the orzo with your favorite GF pasta, quinoa, or rice.
    Thickness: I like my soups on the thicker side, so feel free to slightly reduce the orzo if you don’t want yours as thick. (It will also keep thickening upon sitting or for leftovers since the orzo soaks up more liquid.)
    Tomato richness: For a super thick + rich tomato broth, add a 15 oz. can tomato sauce (when adding the veggie broth and diced tomatoes.)
    Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add another clove or two!
    Variations: Try different variations with zucchini, chickpeas, white beans, etc.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Tomato Orzo Soup with Spinach
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    107
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    1
    g
    2
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Potassium
     
    446
    mg
    13
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    23
    g
    8
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    7
    g
    8
    %
    Protein
     
    4
    g
    8
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1714
    IU
    34
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    20
    mg
    24
    %
    Calcium
     
    79
    mg
    8
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this vegan Orzo Spinach Tomato Soup, also to check out:

    • Kidney Bean, Spinach, Orzo Soup
    • Orzo Salad with Spinach and Tomato

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Soup + Chili Recipes

    • Mushroom Chili
    • Vegan Broccoli Potato Soup
    • Lentil Cabbage Soup
    • Vegan Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Dana

      March 23, 2019 at 6:56 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! I make this a lot when friends come over because it's vegan and corn free, so everyone can eat it. So tasty too! I always add more garlic and if I'm making a large batch for myself for multiple days I substitute the spinach for zucchini, since the spinach gets a little gross after sitting. I also add about a half a tablespoon of spicy Mrs. Dash just to give it a kick. Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        March 25, 2019 at 4:39 pm

        Hi Dana! Love that you add more garlic, seasonings, and swap in zucchini sometimes - yum! Thanks so much for the sweet comment. Very appreciated!

        Reply
    2. K Wood

      November 07, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      I love the look of this recipe! I've had problems with vegetable broth in the past. It just doesn't taste good. Can you recommend a good brand?

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        February 24, 2019 at 2:40 pm

        Hi! We use either "Pacific Foods" or "Field Day" brand organic vegetable broth (which we find at our local food co-op).

        Reply
    3. Sport1girl

      May 15, 2018 at 4:45 am

      This was really quick and very tasty. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        May 29, 2018 at 4:08 pm

        So great to hear!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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