Spinach and Orzo Soup with Carrot and Celery

Name: Spinach and Orzo Soup with Carrot and Celery
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 whole medium onion, diced; 2 whole carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 l vegetable broth; 150 g orzo pasta; 200 g baby spinach; 1 tsp fine salt, or to taste; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 1 tbsp lemon juice, optional

Vegetable broth with orzo, spinach, carrot, celery, garlic and parsley.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 40 minMakes 4 servings

Jump to Recipe

Spinach and orzo soup is a light, satisfying bowl with small pasta, carrots, celery and tender greens. The source gives a list of vegetables but no quantities for the orzo cooking liquid or method, so this version builds flavour by softening the aromatics first and simmering the pasta in vegetable broth. Add spinach near the end so it stays bright rather than overcooked. Orzo continues to absorb broth as it sits, so loosen leftovers with a little hot stock. Finish with parsley and black pepper, and serve with crusty bread for a simple lunch. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Cook onion, carrots and celery 6 to 8 minutes until beginning to soften. Add garlic for 30 seconds.

Spinach and Orzo Soup with Carrot and Celery

How to tell when it is ready

Orzo is tender but still holds its shape; spinach is wilted and bright.

Tips

Cut vegetables evenly for similar cooking.
Stir orzo often after adding it to the broth.
Add spinach only at the end.
Keep extra broth for reheating leftovers.

Troubleshooting

If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
If cooking too quickly, lower the heat and check doneness.

Substitutions

Use a similar neutral cooking oil.
Choose a suitable alternative that preserves the recipe’s texture.

Variations

Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Add a seasonal ingredient that suits the cooking time.

Serving suggestions

Serve with crusty bread.
Add grated Parmesan at the table.
Pair with a green salad.
Finish with lemon and parsley.

Make ahead

Prepare suitable components ahead and store them safely. Refrigerate up to 3 days. Store extra broth separately and add while reheating.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days. Store extra broth separately and add while reheating.

Food safety

Contains gluten. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; pasta thickens as it stands. Reheat until steaming and add broth as needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare suitable components in advance and store them safely as described.

How should I store spinach and orzo soup?

Refrigerate up to 3 days. Store extra broth separately and add while reheating.

Serve with crusty bread. Refrigerate up to 3 days. Store extra broth separately and add while reheating.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Spinach and Orzo Soup with Carrot and Celery