If you like warm and cozy soups, you will love this Ina Garten Tomato Orzo Soup Recipe. It is simple, tasty and easy to cook. The soup has soft orzo pasta, tangy tomatoes and a creamy texture.
It feels like a warm hug in a bowl. You can make it in less than an hour. You only need easy ingredients from your kitchen.
This soup is perfect for cold nights or when you want something comforting. Once you learn how to make Ina Garten Tomato Orzo Soup, it will become a favorite recipe.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this soup on a rainy day. The smell of garlic and tomatoes was amazing. The soup was creamy and full of tomato flavor. The orzo was soft and chewy.
It felt like homemade comfort food. I served it with toasted bread and some cheese on top. Everyone in my family loved it. Now I make it again and again because it is so good.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Tomato Orzo Soup
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Soup
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or hand blender
- Ladle
- Serving bowls
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Tomato Orzo Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup dry orzo pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
- Heat the Oil and Butter
Warm olive oil and butter in a large pot on medium heat. Let butter melt. - Cook the Onion and Garlic
Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft and golden. Stir often to avoid burning. - Add the Tomatoes
Pour crushed tomatoes in the pot. Stir with onion and garlic. - Add Broth and Seasonings
Add chicken broth, salt, pepper and sugar. Stir and let soup simmer 20 minutes. - Blend the Soup
Use a hand blender to make soup smooth. Blend half only if you like chunks. - Cook the Orzo
Add dry orzo pasta. Cook 8–10 minutes until pasta is soft. - Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until soup is creamy and rich. - Taste and Adjust
Taste soup. Add more salt or pepper if needed. - Garnish and Serve
Serve in bowls. Add fresh basil leaves and more cheese on top.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Tomato Orzo Soup
- Use good tomatoes for better taste.
- Don’t overcook orzo; it can get mushy.
- Add more cream for a richer soup.
- Fresh basil adds flavor and color.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t add orzo too early; it soaks too much broth.
- Don’t skip sugar; it balances tomato sourness.
- Avoid high heat; soup can burn easily.
- Don’t add too much salt before tasting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with garlic bread or grilled cheese. You can also have a fresh salad on the side. It is perfect as a starter or main dish. Add a drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle Parmesan on top for more flavor.
Variations You Can Try
- Add cooked shredded chicken for protein.
- Use whole wheat orzo for a healthier soup.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Replace cream with coconut milk for dairy-free soup.
- Add roasted red peppers for a smoky taste.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Let soup cool before storing.
- Keep in airtight container in fridge for 3 days.
- Reheat on stove over low heat. Add water or broth if too thick.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before heating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Health Benefits
This soup is tasty and healthy. Tomatoes have vitamin C and antioxidants. Orzo gives energy.
Olive oil has healthy fats for the heart. Basil adds vitamins and fresh flavor. It is a comforting meal that is also good for your health.
Ina Garten Tomato Orzo Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup dry orzo pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Heat the Oil and Butter
- Warm olive oil and butter in a large pot on medium heat. Let butter melt.
Cook the Onion and Garlic
- Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft and golden. Stir often to avoid burning.
Add the Tomatoes
- Pour crushed tomatoes in the pot. Stir with onion and garlic.
Add Broth and Seasonings
- Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir and let soup simmer 20 minutes.
Blend the Soup
- Use a hand blender to make soup smooth. Blend half only if you like chunks.
Cook the Orzo
- Add dry orzo pasta. Cook 8–10 minutes until pasta is soft.
Add Cream and Cheese
- Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until soup is creamy and rich.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste soup. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve
- Serve in bowls. Add fresh basil leaves and more cheese on top.
Notes
- Use good tomatoes for better taste.
- Don’t overcook orzo; it can get mushy.
- Add more cream for a richer soup.
- Fresh basil adds flavor and color.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice.
FAQs about Ina Garten Tomato Orzo Soup
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes. Peel and blend fresh tomatoes first. Flavor will be a little lighter but still good.
2. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter, coconut milk instead of cream, and skip cheese.
3. What can I use instead of orzo?
Try small pasta like ditalini or tiny shells. Rice or quinoa also works.
4. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes. Let it cool, pour in containers and freeze for later meals.
5. How can I make it thicker?
Simmer longer or add a small spoon of tomato paste. Don’t use flour; it changes flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Tomato Orzo Soup Recipe is simple, warm and tasty. It is great for busy nights or cold weekends.
The tomato flavor is smooth and orzo is soft. Everyone will enjoy it. Try this soup and keep it as your favorite comfort food.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!