Name: tomato basil soup with orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 onion (chopped); 2 carrots (chopped, about ½ cup); 2 stalks celery (chopped, about ½ cup); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon flour; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cans San Marzano stewed tomatoes (28 ounces each); ½ cup pesto; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional); 1 cup orzo (for topping); 1 cup heavy cream; parmesan cheese (for garnish); fresh basil (torn, for garnish)

tomato basil soup with orzo

5 from 7 votes

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 45

Servings:

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion chopped
2 carrots chopped, about ½ cup
2 stalks celery chopped, about ½ cup
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cans San Marzano stewed tomatoes 28 ounces each
½ cup pesto
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon granulated sugar optional
1 cup orzo for topping
1 cup heavy cream
parmesan cheese for garnish
fresh basil torn, for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add 1 chopped onion, ½ cup chopped carrots, ½ cup chopped celery, and 3 cloves garlic and sauté until veggies become soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 more minute.
Whisk in 2 cups chicken broth followed by 2 (28 oz.) cans San Marzano tomatoes and bring to a boil. Stir in ½ cup pesto, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1 teaspoon sugar and reduce heat to a simmer; simmer soup for 20 minutes.
In the meantime, cook 1 cup orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Remove soup from heat. Working carefully, blend soup until smooth using an immersion blender. Or working in batches, blend the soup in a blender until smooth.
Return soup to pot and whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Finish with a few spoonfuls of the cooked orzo on top of each bowl to be stirred into the soup.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches and a crisp green side salad.

SWAP SUGGESTIONS

Protein: Add crisped and crumbled bacon to the top.
Onion, carrot, celery: Use the Trader Joe’s mirepoix mix.
Orzo: Swap for cooked pearled couscous.

WEEKEND PREP / MAKE AHEAD:

Chop onion, carrots, and celery in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Soup can be made in advance, cooled completely, and frozen in a freezer bag or an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition