Elmo's Orzo Soup

Warm, hearty, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, Elmo's Orzo Soup is the ultimate comfort food perfect for any season. Made with tender orzo pasta, vibrant spinach, and a savory mix of diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this one-pot wonder is a nutritious, family-friendly favorite. A fragrant blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme infuses the broth with aromatic depth, while a splash of fresh lemon juice adds just the right amount of tang to brighten every spoonful. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-make soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a luscious finishing touch, and enjoy this wholesome, delicious dish that's packed with flavor and perfect for satisfying cravings. Keywords: orzo soup recipe, Mediterranean soup, one-pot meals, easy comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0 optional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the canned diced tomatoes with their juice.

Step 5

Add the dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Once the soup is simmering, add the orzo pasta. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

Step 7

Stir in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3176.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1359.9

Total Fat 39.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 4mg	0%
Sodium 10059.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 212.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.3g	0%
Total Sugars 29.9g
Protein 52.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 609.1mg	0%
Iron 18.8mg	0%
Potassium 3305.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.9%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 60.2%