Creamy White Bean Lemon Orzo Soup Recipe
Creamy White Bean Lemon Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender orzo pasta, creamy white beans, fresh kale, and zesty lemon in a rich, savory broth finished with Parmesan cheese. This soup is perfect for a cozy meal that warms you up with bright citrus notes and smooth creaminess.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Sauté Base
- 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz.) can organic white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups dried orzo
- 6 cups vegetable stock, organic
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, organic
- 1/2 cup chopped kale
- 1 lemon, freshly-squeezed
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese
- Prepare the base: In a medium-sized dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter until the butter melts. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add beans and seasonings: Stir in the drained white beans, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly mixed with the onion and garlic base.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the vegetable stock and heavy cream, then add freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, orzo pasta, and chopped kale. Stir all ingredients together to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has swollen to release starch, thickening the soup.
- Add cheese for creaminess: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly to create a creamy texture throughout the soup.
- Serve: Remove the soup from heat and ladle immediately into bowls. Serve hot, optionally pairing with garlic bread or naan bread.
- Enjoy: Savor the delicious, comforting flavors of your creamy white bean lemon orzo soup!
Notes
- The soup thickens naturally as the orzo cooks, so do not add too much orzo to avoid an overly thick consistency.
- Using organic ingredients enhances the depth of flavors and ensures a fresher taste.
- The kale adds a nutritious boost and vibrant color; feel free to substitute with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen the consistency.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, but note that the texture will be less rich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (about 360 ml)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: white bean soup, lemon orzo soup, creamy soup, vegetarian soup, kale soup, comfort food