Description
In the world of culinary delights, Chicken Orzo Soup is often described as the sophisticated cousin of the traditional chicken noodle soup. While both share a similar foundation of aromatic vegetables and poultry, the use of orzo pasta completely changes the mouthfeel of the dish. Orzo, which means “barley” in Italian, is a small, rice-shaped pasta that provides a delicate, velvety texture to every spoonful. Unlike long noodles that can be messy to eat or heavy chunks of pasta that overwhelm the broth, orzo nestles perfectly into the liquid, ensuring you get a little bit of everything in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- ¾ cup orzo pasta
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for freshness)
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly. - Add broth & chicken
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add shredded chicken and seasoning. - Cook the orzo
Stir in orzo pasta and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender. - Finish the soup
Add spinach or parsley and cook until wilted. Stir in lemon juice if using. - Taste & serve
Adjust salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
This chicken orzo soup is light, nourishing, and full of comforting flavors—perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~250 kcal
Keywords: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, Italian Chicken Pasta Soup, Mediterranean Chicken Soup, One Pot Chicken Orzo