Description
A hearty and comforting creamy chicken orzo soup filled with tender shredded chicken, vegetables, orzo pasta, and a velvety broth with a hint of lemon and herbs. Perfect for cozy nights or a wholesome meal prep.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Carrots: 2 large, sliced
- Celery Stalks: 2, chopped
- Garlic Cloves: 3, minced
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups
- Cooked Chicken: 2 ½ cups, shredded
- Orzo Pasta: 1 cup
- Heavy Cream: ¾ cup
- Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Baby Spinach (optional): 1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: Stir in cooked chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Cook to Perfection: Reduce heat and add cream, stirring gently.
- Finishing Touches: Stir in lemon juice and spinach, simmering until wilted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
- Add lemon at the end to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.
- Cook orzo separately if storing soup for later to prevent mushiness.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy chicken orzo soup, chicken soup, cozy winter meals, orzo pasta soup, one pot soup