Broccoli And Orzo Soup
A hearty and comforting broccoli and orzo soup with tender vegetables, flavorful broth, and a creamy egg finish, perfect for a nourishing meal any time of year.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat chicken broth and chopped carrot to boiling over high heat.
- Stir in orzo pasta.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir in frozen chopped broccoli.
- Cover and cook over low heat for another 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- In a bowl, beat eggs well.
- Heat the soup to a vigorous boil, then slowly pour beaten eggs into the soup while stirring constantly.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese when serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding some diced cooked chicken or chickpeas for protein. If you're short on time, you can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen, but reduce cooking time slightly. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Broccoli and Orzo Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Cream Broccoli Soup for a delightful lunch spread. Garnish each bowl with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor. Enjoy it as a cozy dinner on chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to prevent the orzo from becoming too mushy, and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Orzo Soup contains roughly 1152 calories, with 26g protein, 229g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (123% of the Daily Value), calcium (65% of the Daily Value), and protein (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1483mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with any small pasta like ditalini or even rice if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different pasta shapes may require varying lengths of time to cook.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. You can also enhance the flavor by adding more herbs or spices, such as thyme or bay leaf, during cooking.
How can I make this soup ahead of time?
You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, cook the soup without the eggs and add them just before serving to maintain the desired texture. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but the pasta may become softer upon reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).