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Hearty Tomato Orzo Soup

Hearty tomato orzo soup in white bowl garnished with fresh basil
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This creamy tomato orzo soup combines San Marzano tomatoes with tender orzo pasta in a silky smooth broth. With a touch of heavy cream and fresh basil, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. 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 onions become translucent and light golden.
  2. Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Cook orzo separately in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente and drain well.
  3. Use an immersion blender to blend soup until smooth. If using regular blender, carefully transfer soup in batches (fill halfway maximum), then return to pot. Temper heavy cream by stirring 2-3 spoonfuls of hot soup into it, then add tempered cream and cooked orzo to pot. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Season soup with 2 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

  • Use San Marzano tomatoes for best flavor. Regular crushed tomatoes work too, but add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
  • Cook orzo separately and add to individual bowls to prevent mushiness in leftovers.
  • Always temper cream before adding to prevent curdling.
  • Store soup without orzo and cream if freezing for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/hearty-tomato-orzo-soup/