Bright Zesty Lemon White Bean Orzo Soup Recipe That Warms The Soul

Comfort and brightness dance together in this creamy lemon white bean orzo soup that promises to warm your soul.

Tangy citrus notes weave through a velvety broth packed with hearty white beans and tender orzo pasta.

Fresh herbs and a splash of brightness elevate each spoonful with Mediterranean charm.

Weeknight dinners welcome this simple yet sophisticated soup that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a light yet satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Fragrant and filling, this soup delivers a balanced combination of protein and flavor that will leave you feeling nourished.

Prepare to fall in love with a soup that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Lemon White Bean Orzo Soup Ingredients

• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that adds heartiness to the soup.
• White Beans: Creamy legumes that provide protein and texture to the dish.
• Vegetable Broth: The flavorful liquid base that supports the soup's overall taste.

• Carrots, Onion, Celery: A classic mirepoix that creates a rich, aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the depth of flavor.

• Thyme, Italian Seasoning, Rosemary: Fragrant herbs that contribute a warm, earthy note to the soup.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A spicy element that adds a subtle kick.
• Bay Leaves: Whole leaves that impart a subtle, complex flavor during cooking.

• Coconut Milk: A creamy liquid that adds richness and a hint of sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and building the soup's base.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy components that provide a fresh, zesty finish.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light, herbal flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.

Lemon Orzo Soup Preparation Steps

Step 1: Sauté Veggie Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in chopped carrots, diced onion, and sliced celery.

Sprinkle a pinch of salt and cook until the vegetables become tender and start to release their aromatic flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Introduce Fragrant Layers

Drop in minced garlic and quickly stir to prevent burning.

• White beans
• Coconut milk
• Fresh thyme
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning

Stir the ingredients to blend their flavors and create a rich, complex base for the soup.

Step 3: Create Liquid Foundation

Pour in vegetable broth, additional salt, whole bay leaves, and fresh rosemary sprigs.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the herbs to infuse their essence into the broth.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Introduce orzo to the simmering soup.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches a tender, al dente texture and absorbs the surrounding flavors.

Step 5: Brighten and Finish

Remove the pot from heat.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the soup.

Chop and fold in fresh parsley.

Pluck out the bay leaves and rosemary sprigs.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for a final burst of brightness and depth.

Tips for Fresh, Flavorful Orzo Soup

• Sauté vegetables slowly to develop deep, caramelized notes and enhance overall soup richness.
• Gently mash some white beans to create a creamier, thicker soup consistency.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, adding gradually for personalized kick.
• Add fresh lemon zest and juice at end to preserve vibrant citrus flavor and aroma.
• Soup tastes even better next day as flavors meld; store separately from orzo to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.

Orzo Soup Twists and Additions

• Mediterranean Herb Swap: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar and add fresh mint for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Substitute white beans with chickpeas and add diced grilled chicken for extra protein.
• Vegan Creamy Option: Use cashew cream instead of coconut milk and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to create a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace orzo with quinoa or rice to make the soup completely gluten-free while maintaining a similar texture.

Serving Zesty Lemon Orzo Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this warming soup into deep, wide bowls for maximum comfort and visual appeal.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to add bright color and extra flavor burst.
• Crusty Companion: Serve alongside toasted sourdough or rustic bread for dipping and soaking up delicious broth.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken strips to transform this soup into a more substantial meal.

Soup Storage Suggestions

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The beans and orzo will absorb more liquid, so add a splash of broth when reheating to restore original consistency.
• Cool soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, the soup maintains quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before gently reheating.
• For best texture, keep pasta separate from soup when storing. Add fresh orzo when ready to serve to prevent soggy noodles and maintain ideal pasta texture.
• Discard soup if it develops off-odors, unusual color, or shows signs of spoilage. Fresh is always best with delicate soups like this zesty lemon white bean orzo.

FAQs

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from white beans, vegetables like carrots and celery, and lean ingredients that provide balanced nutrition.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using vegetable broth.

• How spicy is this soup?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a milder flavor.

• What does the coconut milk do in this recipe?

Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and subtle richness without using dairy, making the soup smooth and comforting.

Zesty Lemon White Bean Orzo Soup High Points

• Whip Up Quickly: This soup comes together with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile ingredients allow you to swap or add vegetables, proteins, or herbs based on what's in your pantry, creating a personalized comfort dish every time.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with white beans, vegetables, and herbs, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that provides protein, fiber, and essential nutrients in one comforting bowl.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy texture, mild flavors, and satisfying mix of ingredients that make this soup a family-friendly option for any dinner.

Zesty Lemon White Bean Orzo Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty lemon white bean orzo soup delivers Mediterranean comfort with its tangy, nourishing blend of creamy beans and bright citrus notes. Comfort meets simplicity in this quick, satisfying dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Zesty Lemon White Bean Orzo Soup

Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) dry orzo

Base Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 small carrots, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed and minced

Seasonings and Additional Components:

• 2 tablespoons canned coconut milk or vegan butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dry thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 large lemon, juice and zest
• 0.25 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced carrots, onions, and celery with a delicate sprinkle of salt until vegetables turn tender and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable medley, then fold in white beans, creamy coconut milk, aromatic thyme, fiery pepper flakes, and robust Italian seasoning, stirring to harmonize the flavors.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, adjust seasoning with additional salt, then nestle bay leaves and rosemary sprigs into the liquid. Gradually elevate the temperature until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
4. Carefully scatter orzo into the bubbling soup, allowing it to cook for 8-10 minutes at a low boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
5. Remove the pot from heat, brightening the soup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and vibrant lemon zest. Sprinkle chopped parsley for a final burst of color and freshness. Extract and discard bay leaves and rosemary sprigs. Taste and fine-tune seasonings as desired.

Notes

• Customize Vegetable Texture Sauté vegetables until they’re slightly caramelized for deeper flavor complexity and enhanced sweetness.
• Balance Protein Levels Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and ensure a cleaner, lighter bean taste in the soup.
• Enhance Dairy-Free Creaminess Swap coconut milk with vegetable broth or cashew cream for a lighter version that maintains richness.
• Boost Herb Freshness Add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs during cooking for more intense, aromatic herb infusion that elevates the overall soup profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg