Creamy White Bean Lemon Pesto Orzo Soup is a comforting yet refreshing one-pot meal that delivers the rich texture of risotto with the bright flavors of lemon and basil pesto. This Creamy White Bean Lemon Pesto Orzo Soup recipe combines tender orzo pasta, creamy white beans, fresh lemon zest, savory pesto, and a touch of cream to create a hearty soup that is both satisfying and light. Ready in about 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or cozy dinners when you want something warm but not too heavy. With simple pantry ingredients and beginner-friendly steps, this soup is easy to prepare and guaranteed to become a regular favorite.
Key Takeaways
• Ready in about 20 minutes
• One-pot, minimal cleanup recipe
• Creamy texture without heavy ingredients
• Bright lemon and pesto flavor combination
• Perfect for quick dinners or meal prep
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why this Creamy White Bean Lemon Pesto Orzo Soup stands out from traditional soups. The orzo pasta gives the dish a creamy, risotto-like texture while white beans add protein and heartiness. Lemon zest brightens the flavor, balancing the richness of the cream and pesto. Another reason this recipe is so popular is its versatility—you can easily make it vegetarian, add shredded chicken for extra protein, or swap the cream for half-and-half for a lighter version. Because everything cooks in one pot, this recipe is convenient, fast, and perfect for beginner cooks.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional garnish: grated parmesan cheese, fresh basil, chili flakes
Equipment
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
When the orzo is almost tender, stir in the white beans and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Reduce heat to low and add pesto, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir gently until the soup becomes creamy and well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Serve warm topped with grated parmesan cheese or fresh basil for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
For extra protein, add shredded rotisserie chicken during the final simmering step.
To make the soup lighter, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
Spinach or kale can be added for additional nutrients and color.
If the soup thickens too much after sitting, add a splash of broth when reheating.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creamy White Bean Lemon Pesto Orzo Soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a heartier dinner. This soup is ideal for lunch meal prep because it reheats easily and maintains its creamy texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or milk if the soup thickens too much.
This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months, although the texture of the orzo may soften slightly after thawing.
Nutrition (approx.)
Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 6g
FAQs
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, replace the cream with unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well.
Is this soup very thick?
It has a creamy, risotto-like texture, but you can add extra broth for a thinner consistency.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, but add a little extra broth when reheating since the pasta absorbs liquid over time.
Conclusion
This Creamy White Bean Lemon Pesto Orzo Soup combines comforting creaminess with bright citrus flavor for a perfectly balanced one-pot meal. With quick preparation, simple ingredients, and satisfying texture, it’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or meal prep. Once you try this easy soup, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort recipes.