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Bright and Cozy Lemon Shrimp Orzo Soup

Warm, comforting lemon shrimp orzo soup with bright citrus flavors and tender shrimp—perfect for a quick, cozy meal any day of the week.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup carrots grated
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Spoon or Ladle

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Step 3: Add the grated carrots and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Step 5: Add the orzo pasta and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
  7. Step 7: Stir the lemon zest, lemon juice, dried basil, salt, and black pepper into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Step 8: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with cooked shrimp. Serve hot.

Notes

Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or canned white beans for variation. Add spinach or kale near the end for extra greens. This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, omit shrimp and add fresh shrimp when reheating.