Creamy Pesto Tomato Orzo Soup
If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Creamy Pesto Tomato Orzo Soup is the answer. It’s a luscious blend of creamy textures and vibrant flavors, combining the sweetness of diced tomatoes, the herbaceous punch of pesto, and the tender bite of orzo pasta. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a warming lunch, this soup hits all the right notes with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Creamy Pesto Tomato Orzo Soup. First, it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just one pot and a handful of everyday ingredients. The orzo pasta cooks right in the broth, soaking up all those rich tomato and pesto flavors. The addition of heavy cream adds a silky smoothness that transforms this soup into something truly special — without needing any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any season. It’s comforting yet fresh, hearty yet light, and it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying but quick.
Ingredient Rundown
- 1 cup orzo pasta – The star grain of the soup, orzo cooks quickly and adds a lovely texture.
- 4 cups vegetable broth – The flavorful base that simmers all ingredients together.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – Bring a bright, slightly sweet acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Adds richness and smooths out the tomato’s tang for a luscious finish.
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce – Bursting with basil, garlic, and pine nut flavors, pesto is what takes this soup to the next level.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing the aromatics and adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds a savory sweetness when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Provides a warm, fragrant base flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish – Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Tools of the Trade
- Large saucepan or pot – For cooking the soup all in one vessel.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – To stir the soup without scratching your pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy with ingredients.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – For prepping onions, garlic, and basil garnish.
Cooking Creamy Pesto Tomato Orzo Soup: The Process
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in your large saucepan. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the vegetable broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Stir to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This broth-tomato base will infuse the orzo with bright, savory notes.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender but still holds its shape. The pasta will absorb some of the soup’s flavors, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Pesto
Once the orzo is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and pesto sauce. Mix thoroughly until the soup becomes creamy and the pesto is evenly distributed. Heat through for 2 to 3 minutes but avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness.
Seasonal Serving Ideas
- In spring or summer, pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to keep things light and fresh.
- During cooler months, serve alongside warm garlic bread or cheesy focaccia for a hearty meal.
- Add a swirl of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Top with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a crunchy texture contrast.
Little Things that Matter
Choosing good-quality pesto really elevates the soup—whether homemade or store-bought, a vibrant, fresh-tasting pesto makes a huge difference. When cooking the orzo, keep an eye on the texture; overcooked orzo can become mushy and lose its pleasant bite. Also, stirring occasionally prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Lastly, don’t skip the fresh basil garnish; it adds a lovely, aromatic lift that brightens each spoonful.
Prep Ahead & Store
This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it fully ahead of time, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if it thickens too much. This keeps the creamy texture just right.
Creamy Pesto Tomato Orzo Soup FAQs
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely! Using chicken broth will add a richer, more savory depth to the soup, but the recipe works perfectly with vegetable broth as well for a lighter flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to keep that creamy texture without dairy.
Can I freeze Creamy Pesto Tomato Orzo Soup?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the orzo may change upon thawing and reheating. For best results, freeze the soup without the orzo and add cooked orzo when reheating.
How can I make this soup more protein-packed?
Add cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas, or stir in shredded cooked chicken after cooking for a heartier, protein-rich meal.
One Pan, More Ideas
- Love the comforting orzo? Try this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo for a delicious twist with tender chicken and a creamy tomato sauce.
- For something lighter and fresh, check out Pasta With Fresh Tomato Sauce And Basil, a simple pasta dish bursting with summer flavors.
Before You Go
Enjoying this Creamy Pesto Tomato Orzo Soup is all about comfort and freshness in one bowl. Experiment with adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the pesto amount to suit your taste buds. This soup is incredibly forgiving and adaptable, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again.
This cozy, creamy soup is the perfect way to brighten up any day. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and you’ll have a bowl of pure satisfaction that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
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Creamy Pesto Tomato Orzo Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in your large saucepan. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Stir to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender but still holds its shape.
- Once the orzo is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and pesto sauce. Mix thoroughly until the soup becomes creamy and the pesto is evenly distributed. Heat through for 2 to 3 minutes but avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use good-quality pesto, either homemade or store-bought, for the best flavor.
- Keep an eye on the orzo texture to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
