![- 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh herbs brighten the soup. Choose firm carrots and crisp celery. For chickpeas, canned ones save time and are still healthy. Rinse them to remove extra salt. This hearty soup serves four. Each serving has about 210 calories. You get 8 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbs. This meal is low in fat and high in fiber. It fills you up without weighing you down. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free orzo or rice. For a vegan soup, this recipe is already plant-based. You can add spinach for extra nutrients and color. Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Mince the garlic finely. This ensures you get a strong flavor. Rinse the chickpeas under cold water. Drain them well to remove excess liquid. Next, measure out the vegetable broth. Using a high-quality broth adds depth to the soup. Fresh herbs are great, but dried thyme works well too. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm. Once hot, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft but not brown. Now, add the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for one more minute. This step releases the flavors. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta and chickpeas. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be cooked al dente. When done, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Ladle the soup into bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color. You can also pair this soup with crusty bread or a light salad. This makes for a balanced meal that is both healthy and delicious. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To keep your orzo from overcooking, watch the time closely. I suggest cooking it just until it’s al dente. This way, it stays firm and doesn’t turn mushy. Stir the orzo in the soup often. This helps it cook evenly. If you want more flavor, try adding spices like cumin or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could even toss in a bay leaf while it simmers for a deeper taste. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container. It’s best to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. The soup will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of broth or water. This helps keep the texture nice. Heat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave until it's steaming hot. For a beautiful presentation, ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley. You can also add a slice of lemon on the side for a pop of color. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal. The bright yellow from the lemon zest and green from the parsley make the dish visually appealing. It's truly a feast for the eyes! {{image_2}} You can easily boost the protein in your Lemony Chickpea Orzo Soup. Adding chicken is a great option. Simply cook diced chicken breast in the pot before adding the vegetables. This step adds rich flavor and heartiness. If you prefer a plant-based choice, tofu works well too. Use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and sauté it with your veggies. Both options make this soup even more filling. Feel free to mix in your favorite seasonal vegetables. Spinach or kale adds a nice green touch and extra nutrients. Adding zucchini or bell peppers can enhance the soup's color and taste. You can also toss in some frozen peas for a quick option. Each vegetable brings new flavor and texture, making the soup your own. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for a kick. If you enjoy creaminess, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream. This change makes the soup rich and velvety. You can also try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill for extra flavor. Each option helps you create a unique bowl that fits your taste. For the full recipe, check the section above. Yes, you can make Lemony Chickpea Orzo Soup ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about three days. When you reheat it, add a splash of water to bring back some moisture. This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together. To prevent the orzo from getting mushy, follow a few simple steps. First, cook the orzo separately in boiling water for about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain it and add it to the soup right before serving. This method keeps the pasta firm and nice. If you choose to cook it in the soup, reduce the cooking time. Stir often to ensure even cooking. Pair your soup with some crusty bread or a fresh salad. A mixed green salad adds a nice crunch. You could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for extra flavor. These pairings make for a complete and satisfying meal. This Lemony Chickpea Orzo Soup is a bright and warm dish. You can make it quickly. The prep time is just 10 minutes. The cooking time is 25 minutes. This recipe serves four people. For a complete, detailed recipe with all instructions, check out the [Full Recipe]. Here’s a quick recap of what you need: - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 25 minutes - Servings: 4 This soup is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Enjoy making it! This blog post covered how to make Lemony Chickpea Orzo Soup. You learned about the ingredients, their quality, and nutritional facts. I shared simple preparation steps and cooking instructions. You saw helpful tips for cooking and serving. We also explored variations and answered common questions. Lemony Chickpea Orzo Soup is tasty, easy to make, and great for everyone. So, grab those ingredients and enjoy a warm bowl today!](https://savoryspiral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/386a0841-f377-4315-a7b5-c52df258160b-250x250.webp)
Lemony Chickpea Orzo Soup
Warm up with this refreshing Lemony Chickpea Orzo Soup that's bursting with flavor! This hearty recipe is easy to make and perfect for any meal. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, tender orzo, and zesty lemon, it’s not only delicious but also nutritious. In just 25 minutes, you can create a comforting bowl that's sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!