🍋 One-Pot Lemon Orzo Soup is a cozy, zesty dish that comes together quickly and leaves minimal cleanup. With tender orzo pasta, fresh lemon juice, and a flavorful broth, it’s both comforting and refreshing. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something light yet satisfying.
This soup often features a base of sautéed onions, garlic, and celery, simmered with vegetable or chicken broth. Orzo adds heartiness, while lemon brightens everything up. You can easily add shredded chicken, chickpeas, or leafy greens like spinach for a protein and nutrient boost.
Everything cooks in one pot, making prep and cleanup a breeze. Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor. Serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own as a wholesome, citrusy meal.
🍋 One-Pot Lemon Orzo Soup
Light, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes. This soup is like a warm hug with a zesty twist.
🥣 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ¾ cup dry orzo
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover; optional)
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley (or both)
- Optional: baby spinach or kale for greens
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Sauté the Veggies
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Orzo
- Pour in broth, bring to a boil.
- Stir in orzo.
- Lower heat and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, or until orzo is tender.
3. Prepare the Egg-Lemon Mixture (Avgolemono style)
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice.
- Slowly ladle 1 cup of hot broth into the egg-lemon mix while whisking constantly (this tempers the eggs).
- Once mixed, slowly stir it back into the soup pot. Don’t boil after this — just let it gently warm.
4. Add Chicken & Greens (if using)
- Stir in shredded chicken (if using).
- Add baby spinach or chopped kale, if desired, until wilted (2–3 minutes).
5. Season & Serve
- Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stir in fresh dill or parsley just before serving.
- Taste and adjust lemon or seasoning as needed
