Lemony White Bean Orzo Soup
Lemony White Bean Orzo Soup is a bright, cozy weeknight soup with pantry staples, ready in 30 minutes for about $2.10 per serving and perfect budget comfort.
This lemony white bean orzo soup is the kind of quick comfort food that works year-round. It is cozy enough for a cold night, but the citrus keeps it bright and fresh.
It is also built for tight grocery weeks. Canned beans, a little pasta, and basic vegetables deliver a filling bowl with solid protein and fiber while staying well under $3 per serving.
For an even faster weeknight flow, chop the vegetables the night before. Then dinner comes together in one pot with minimal cleanup.
Lemony White Bean Orzo Soup
Lemony White Bean Orzo Soup is a bright, cozy weeknight soup with pantry staples, ready in 30 minutes for about $2.10 per serving and perfect budget comfort.
Editorial score based on test-kitchen reliability, flavor balance, and budget value.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
To Finish
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, then cook 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and oregano for 30 seconds.
- 2
Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo and cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so it does not stick.
- 3
Stir in white beans, spinach, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes until beans are hot and spinach wilts.
- 4
Turn off heat, then stir in lemon zest and juice. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve with parsley and Parmesan if using.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
360 kcal
Calories
15g
Protein
53g
Carbs
10g
Fat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?▾
Yes. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well and cook in a similar time. If using a larger shape, add a few more minutes and extra broth as needed.
How do I keep orzo soup from getting too thick later?▾
Orzo keeps absorbing liquid as it sits, so store extra broth separately and stir it in when reheating. You can also slightly undercook the orzo if you plan to meal prep it.
Can I freeze this soup?▾
You can, but texture is best if you freeze it without the pasta and add freshly cooked orzo when serving. If frozen with orzo, thaw gently and add broth to loosen the soup.
HomeMealHacks Team
We're a team of home cooks passionate about making delicious food accessible to every budget. Every recipe is tested, costed, and designed to save you money without sacrificing flavor.
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