Lemon Garlic Orzo Soup

I’ve discovered the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down: Lemon Garlic Orzo Soup!

This vibrant bowl combines zesty citrus with hearty orzo pasta and creamy beans for a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

The aroma of sautéed veggies and garlic fills the kitchen during preparation.

This foolproof recipe is worth sharing.

The secret ingredient makes this soup absolutely irresistible even on the busiest weeknights.

Contents show

Ingredients

Recommended Tools

Large Soup Pot:
A good-sized pot gives you plenty of room to sauté vegetables and simmer the orzo without overcrowding.
Chef’s Knife:
Makes quick work of dicing onions, slicing carrots and chopping celery for your soup base.
Wooden Spoon:
Perfect for stirring vegetables while sautéing and gently mixing the orzo without scratching your pot.
Measuring Cups:
Helps you measure the perfect amount of orzo and broth for ideal soup consistency.
Microplane Zester:
Essential for getting that fine lemon zest that adds brightness to your soup.
Cutting Board:
Provides a stable surface for prepping all your vegetables, mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.

Instructions

Let’s bring this zesty soup to life! Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced small onion, 2 sliced medium carrots, and 2 diced celery sticks, and sauté them until they’ve softened and become fragrant—about 5 minutes.

Now for the flavor boost! Add 2 minced garlic cloves (don’t be shy with garlic, folks!) and a sprinkle of turmeric if you’re using it. Cook for another minute until you can really smell that gorgeous garlic aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Time for the star of the show—add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot and stir it around for about a minute. This quick toasting step gives the orzo a delicious nutty flavor that’ll make your soup extra special!

Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth, the zest of 1 lemon, and your drained can (14 oz) of cannellini beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 7 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still has a bit of bite to it. Keep an eye on it—nobody wants mushy pasta!

Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, take the pot off the heat. Squeeze in the juice of your zested lemon and sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley. Give everything a good stir to incorporate all those bright flavors.

Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve your soup right away while it’s hot—the orzo will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so if you’re not eating immediately, you might want to add a splash more broth when reheating!

Pro Tips

To prevent your orzo from becoming mushy and absorb more flavor, toast it in the pan for exactly one minute before adding the broth—this quick step develops a nutty flavor profile and helps the pasta maintain its texture throughout the cooking process.

Substitutions & Variations

This versatile soup can be adapted in countless ways while maintaining its bright lemony essence and comforting texture.

Protein Boost: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chickpeas instead of cannellini beans for a different protein profile.
Grain Swap: Replace orzo with farro, quinoa or brown rice for added nutrition and a heartier texture.
Greens Addition: Stir in baby spinach, kale or arugula during the last minute of cooking for color and nutrients.
Mediterranean Twist: Add diced zucchini, cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of feta cheese just before serving.
Herbal Variations: Substitute fresh dill, basil or mint for parsley to create completely different flavor profiles.
Spice Infusion: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika or za’atar for depth and complexity.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

While this zesty lemon garlic orzo soup tastes incredible fresh off the stove, I’ve found it’s one of those rare dishes that almost improves with time as the flavors meld together.

Store it in airtight containers in your fridge for up to 4 days. Just remember, the orzo will continue absorbing liquid, so you’ll want to add a splash of broth when reheating to restore that perfect consistency!

Cook Tonight – Beginner-Friendly