If you’ve been craving a bowl of something warm, nourishing, and hug-in-a-bowl cozy, this Vegetable Orzo Soup is about to become your new best friend. Truly. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like it understands you—busy days, full schedules, and that constant question of “What’s for dinner?”
This Vegetable Orzo Soup is comforting without being heavy, hearty without feeling boring, and simple enough to pull together on a weeknight when your energy is already running on fumes. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just need something soothing after a long day, this soup has your back.
As someone who leans on simple, comforting meals (especially when life gets loud), this is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. One pot, basic ingredients, and a kitchen that smells amazing? Yes, please.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Orzo Soup
Let me count the ways—because this Vegetable Orzo Soup checks all the boxes:
- One-pot wonder: Fewer dishes = happier you.
- Hearty but light: Thanks to tender veggies, potatoes, and orzo.
- Budget-friendly: Nothing fancy, just pantry and fridge staples.
- Flexible: Easy to tweak based on what you have on hand.
- Perfect for leftovers: It somehow tastes even better the next day.
This is the soup you make when you want comfort food that still feels wholesome. The kind of meal that works for picky eaters, veggie lovers, and anyone who just wants dinner handled without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into making this cozy pot of Vegetable Orzo Soup. Nothing complicated—just honest ingredients doing their thing.
The Basics
- Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Vegetable broth: The flavorful base that brings everything together.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds brightness and a subtle tang.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the flavor and gives the broth body.
The Flavor Builders
- Onion, carrots, and celery: The classic trio that starts almost every good soup.
- Garlic: Because soup without garlic just feels wrong.
- Potatoes: Add heartiness and make the soup extra filling.
- Sweet corn: Brings little pops of sweetness and texture.
- Parsley: Fresh and herby for the perfect finishing touch.
Seasonings & Extras
- Italian seasoning
- Seasoned salt
- Celery salt
- Brown sugar: Just a touch to balance the tomatoes.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and richness you can’t quite put your finger on—but you’d miss it if it were gone.
- Butter or olive oil: For sautéing.
Optional but lovely:
- Fresh lemon juice
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.
How to Make Vegetable Orzo Soup (Step-by-Step)
This Vegetable Orzo Soup is wonderfully straightforward. If you can stir and simmer, you’ve got this.
Step 1: Build the Base
In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is soft and fragrant. This step is where the flavor starts—don’t rush it.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Tomato Paste
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell incredible right about now.
Step 3: Add the Rest of the Soup Ingredients
Add the potatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and all the spices. Give everything a good stir and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Stir in the Orzo
Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the vegetables are perfectly soft.
Step 5: Finish It Off
In the last 5 minutes, stir in the sweet corn. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy (or just hungry).
Helpful Tips for the Best Vegetable Orzo Soup
- Watch the orzo: Orzo loves to soak up broth. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of extra broth or water.
- Make it your own: Zucchini, green beans, spinach, or peas all work beautifully here.
- Like it richer? A pat of butter stirred in at the end makes it extra comforting.
- Too thick the next day? Totally normal. Add more broth when reheating.
And remember—if your soup looks thick and cozy, that’s not a problem. That’s comfort doing its job.
A Little Personal Note from My Kitchen
This Vegetable Orzo Soup has saved me more times than I can count. I first made it during one of those weeks where everything felt like a to-do list with legs—work deadlines, family stuff, and zero mental energy left for dinner decisions.
I threw this together with what I had, let it simmer while I caught my breath, and suddenly the house smelled calm. We ate it with crusty bread, and for a moment, everything felt manageable again. That’s the power of a good soup.

FAQS About Vegetable Orzo Soup
Can I make Vegetable Orzo Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup is perfect for meal prep. Just know that the orzo will absorb more broth as it sits, so add extra liquid when reheating.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Vegetable Orzo Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. It also freezes well—just thaw and reheat gently.
Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well. Cooking time may vary slightly.
Can I make this soup vegan?
It already is, as long as you use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan garnish.
How can I add protein?
White beans or chickpeas are a great addition and keep everything plant-based.
A Cozy Bowl Worth Repeating
There’s something deeply comforting about sitting down with a warm bowl of Vegetable Orzo Soup, especially when you know it didn’t take hours—or a sink full of dishes—to make. It’s simple, nourishing, and exactly the kind of recipe that fits real life.
If you’re looking for a soup that feels like home, works for busy nights, and still tastes like you put in extra effort, this Vegetable Orzo Soup is it. Make a pot, share it with people you love, and don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular rotation.
Because sometimes, dinner doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be comforting.
If You’re Craving More Cozy, You’re in the Right Place
If this Vegetable Orzo Soup hit the spot, don’t stop here—there’s a whole lineup of comforting, feel-good recipes waiting for you. Whether you’re planning meals for the week or just following the cozy-food mood, these reader-favorite dishes are perfect next stops:
- Love veggie-forward comfort? This Creamy Vegetable Soup is smooth, cozy, and feels like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.
- Can’t get enough orzo? You’ll adore this One-Pot Fall Vegetable Orzo—it’s hearty, colorful, and perfect when you want something filling without a lot of fuss.
- Want something rustic and satisfying? This Tuscan White Bean Soup is rich, comforting, and ideal for slow evenings and crusty bread on the side.
- Craving bold flavor with cozy vibes? This Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup brings creamy texture and warm spices together in the most comforting way.
Think of these as your next cozy bowls—easy, comforting, and made for real life. Bookmark a couple now… future-you will be very thankful.
Print
Vegetable Orzo Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Vegetable Orzo Soup is a cozy, comforting one-pot meal made with tender orzo pasta, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s a nourishing soup the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar
¾ cup orzo pasta
1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: lemon juice or grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8–10 minutes, until softened.
Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add potatoes, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, celery salt, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil.
Stir in the orzo, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Add corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Serve warm with optional lemon juice or Parmesan.
Notes
Orzo absorbs liquid as it sits—add extra broth when reheating if needed.
Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
Feel free to add zucchini, spinach, or white beans for extra veggies and protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
