This Easy Tomato Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s packed with tender orzo pasta, rich tomato broth, and fresh herbs. This soup is also very versatile – feel free to add in your favorite veggies or protein!
INGREDIENTS
For the Soup:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups yellow onions (about 2 onions), diced small
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 quart unsalted chicken stock
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 12 turns freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Croutons, for serving
For the Croutons:
- 4 or 5-ounce hunk of day-old crusty bread
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Generous pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
For the Soup:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook on medium-low heat until they become translucent and caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid scorching, adding a tablespoon of water if needed to prevent uneven browning.
Tip: This is a great time to prepare the croutons. - Add garlic and bay leaf, cooking and stirring for another minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, saffron threads, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
- While the soup simmers, bring a small pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until just al dente (about 6 or 7 minutes). The orzo should remain undercooked. Drain the orzo and add it to the soup.
- Stir in the heavy cream, bring the soup back to a simmer, and cook for another 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Serve with croutons.
For the Croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut or tear the bread into cubes. Toss with olive oil and a generous pinch of salt, then spread on a sheet pan.
- Roast for about 10 minutes, until the croutons are golden brown.
- Allow the croutons to cool to room temperature.
Tip: If the bread is fresh, it may need additional time in the oven to dry out.
