![- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste The ingredients for One-Pot Lemon Orzo Soup are simple yet impactful. Each item plays a role in building flavor. Olive oil gives a rich base. Onion and garlic add depth. Carrots and celery bring sweetness and crunch. The vegetable broth forms the soup's heart. It makes the dish warm and comforting. Orzo pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors. Frozen peas add a pop of color and nutrition. Lemon is the star here. Its zest and juice brighten the soup. Dried thyme adds an earthy note. Salt and pepper are key to enhancing all these tastes. - Calories per serving: About 200 - Key nutrients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Fiber This soup is not just tasty; it's also healthy. Each serving packs vitamins and minerals. You gain nourishment with every spoonful. - Large pot - Cutting board - Knife To create this soup, you need basic tools. A large pot helps you cook everything in one place. A cutting board and knife are essential for chopping vegetables. Make sure you have these items ready. They help streamline your cooking process. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to prepare this meal! First, we must prepare the vegetables. Start by dicing 1 medium onion. Then, mince 2 cloves of garlic. Next, peel and dice 2 medium carrots. Finally, dice 2 celery stalks. This gives your soup a fresh base. Now, measure your ingredients. You will need 6 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth and 1 cup of orzo pasta. Also, grab 1 cup of frozen peas, 1 lemon for zest and juice, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Don't forget salt and pepper for taste! Now, let’s cook! In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want them soft but not browned. Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook these for about 5 minutes, until they are slightly tender. This step builds the flavor. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. When the orzo is al dente, stir in the frozen peas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the dried thyme at this stage. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas heat through. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld well. For the full recipe, be sure to check the recipe section! To make your One-Pot Lemon Orzo Soup even more tasty, add herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can brighten the soup. You can also try a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Adding lemon zest boosts the fresh lemon flavor. Just be careful to use only the yellow part of the peel. The white pith can taste bitter. If you love creamy soup, there are easy ways to add that texture. You can stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. For a lighter option, use plain Greek yogurt or coconut milk. These options give a nice creamy feel without overpowering the lemon taste. If you want to use different pasta types, adjust the cooking time. Smaller pasta shapes, like ditalini, cook faster. Larger shapes like shells may need extra time. Check the package for cooking instructions. If you live at high altitude, you might need to cook the soup a bit longer. Food takes more time to cook at higher altitudes, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. For the Full Recipe, you can find detailed steps to create this wonderful dish. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your soup for extra nutrition. Chicken or shrimp work great. Simply cook them in the pot before adding the broth. For a vegetarian option, use beans like chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and fiber without meat. Feel free to change the vegetables based on what you have. Use seasonal veggies like zucchini, corn, or bell peppers. Leafy greens like spinach or kale can also be added near the end. They wilt nicely and boost the soup's nutrition. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free orzo. This way, you can still enjoy the same texture. For a vegan version, swap vegetable broth for water and use a vegan-friendly seasoning. This makes the soup suitable for everyone. Explore the [Full Recipe] for more details on making this delicious dish! To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and flavorful. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This helps you track how long it's been stored. You can freeze this soup for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The soup will last in the freezer for about three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Pair this soup with warm, crusty bread for a full meal. A fresh side salad also works well. Try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The bright flavors of the soup and salad complement each other nicely. For an added touch, serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. This adds color and freshness to your meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. One-pot lemon orzo soup lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier! Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving. This soup is perfect for meal prep. Absolutely! You can use any small pasta shapes you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. This makes the soup fun and versatile. This soup pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Crusty bread for dipping - A fresh garden salad - Grilled cheese sandwiches - Roasted vegetables These options enhance the meal and add variety to your table. For the full recipe, check the previous section! This blog post covered the ingredients, steps, tips, and variations for making one-pot lemon orzo soup. You can customize it with herbs, proteins, or veggies to suit your taste. I shared storage tips to keep your soup fresh too. Experiment, enjoy the cooking process, and find your favorite way to make this dish. Whether you serve it warm or cold, this soup can be a go-to for any meal. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for any level of cook.](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/630e3a66-b9cb-43d6-9679-5423458858c1-250x250.webp)
One-Pot Lemon Orzo Soup
Warm up your day with this delightful One-Pot Lemon Orzo Soup that’s both comforting and easy to make! Packed with fresh vegetables and a zing of lemon, this soup is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious meal that serves four in under 30 minutes. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a wholesome bowl of this vibrant soup tonight!