Imagine a bowl of pure comfort that's not just delicious, but also incredibly easy to prepare. This Italian-inspired Cabbage Soup with Orzo Pasta is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal! Packed with nutritious vegetables, hearty orzo, and bursting with flavor, this soup is a perfect blend of simplicity and gourmet taste that will warm your soul and impress your family.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the small head of cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the carrots and onion, and mince the garlic cloves. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the diced carrots and chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir well to combine all the vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that all the vegetables are covered. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- After 15 minutes, add the orzo pasta to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once the orzo is cooked, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You may also add additional herbs or spices if desired.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop further.
- Serve the cabbage soup hot, garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian cabbage soup with orzo pasta!
Tips
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop all vegetables before starting to cook. This ensures a smooth, stress-free cooking process.
- Don't Overcook the Orzo: Watch the pasta carefully and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Aim for al dente texture to keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Enhance Flavor Options: - Add a splash of white wine when sautéing vegetables - Experiment with herbs like thyme or basil - Top with grated Parmesan for extra richness
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add protein like diced chicken or white beans to make the soup more substantial.
- Storage Tip: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
