Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup

Hearty tomato orzo soup is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. With creamy San Marzano tomatoes, tender orzo pasta, and fresh basil, it’s comfort food that comes together in just 45 minutes. I love making this soup when I need something cozy but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I made this soup on a chilly Wednesday night. The house filled with the aroma of sautéed garlic and tomatoes, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. What I love most about this hearty tomato orzo soup is how it transforms simple pantry ingredients into something special. The creamy texture from blending the tomatoes creates a silky base, while the orzo adds just the right amount of heartiness. It’s become my go-to tomato soup recipe, especially when paired with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

What You’ll Need for This Creamy Tomato Soup

I always use San Marzano tomatoes for this recipe because they have a naturally sweet flavor and lower acidity, but regular crushed tomatoes work in a pinch. Pro tip: if you’re using gluten-free orzo, cook it just until al dente since it can get mushy faster than regular pasta.

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock (vegetable stock works too)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cooked gluten-free orzo (or regular orzo)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup torn fresh basil leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste (freshly ground)

I prefer using an immersion blender for this hearty tomato orzo soup because it’s less messy, but a regular blender works great too.

How to Make This Simple Tomato Orzo Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped carrots, onion, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a light golden color and smell sweet.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 20 minutes. During this time, cook your orzo separately in a pot of salted water according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes until al dente) and drain well.

Step 3: Blend Until Silky Smooth Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the hot soup in batches (never fill more than halfway), then return it to the pot. Once smooth, temper the heavy cream by stirring 2-3 spoonfuls of hot soup into it first, then add the tempered cream and cooked orzo to the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Season and Finish Season your hearty tomato orzo soup with 2 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. Some tomatoes are more acidic, so add a pinch of sugar if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh torn basil leaves.

Perfect Pairings for Your Tomato Soup

This creamy soup pairs beautifully with dishes that complement its rich, tangy flavor.

Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The crispy, buttery bread and melted cheese create the perfect contrast to the smooth, creamy soup. It’s a timeless combination that never gets old.

Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing: The peppery greens and bright citrus cut through the richness of the soup, adding freshness and balance to your meal.

Crusty Gluten-Free Bread or Garlic Knots: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of this hearty tomato orzo soup. The garlic knots add an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the basil.

Half Turkey Avocado or Caprese Sandwich: A lighter option that still feels satisfying. The creamy avocado or fresh mozzarella echoes the soup’s creamy texture while adding protein.

Discover More Satisfying Tomato and Pasta Soups

This creamy tomato orzo soup pairs wonderfully with other Italian-inspired soups for varied weeknight dinners. The fresh Mediterranean Orzo Soup offers another delicious orzo option with aromatic herbs and vegetables in a lighter broth. The classic Minestrone Soup Recipe features similar tomato base with beans and pasta for a heartier, more rustic option.

For additional variety beyond traditional tomato soups, the indulgent White Lasagna Soup brings creamy Italian sausage with broken lasagna noodles. The comforting Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe combines tender meatballs with orzo pasta, creating a protein-rich complement to this silky tomato soup throughout the week.

Storing Your Leftover Soup

Store this hearty tomato orzo soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the orzo will absorb liquid and thicken the soup over time. I recommend storing the orzo separately if you plan to keep leftovers, adding it fresh to each bowl when reheating.

To reheat, warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add extra chicken broth or water if it’s become too thick. Avoid reheating at high temperatures as this can make the soup bitter and cause the cream to separate.

For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months without the orzo and cream. Add these ingredients when you’re ready to serve. Pro tip: freeze in portion-sized containers for quick weeknight meals.

Common Questions About Tomato Orzo Soup

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