Cozy Hearty Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort finds its perfect match in this creamy chicken orzo tomato soup that warms you from the inside out.

The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and rich tomato broth creates a symphony of flavors.

Aromatic herbs dance through each spoonful, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Hearty ingredients meld together, turning a simple soup into a soul-satisfying meal.

This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

With minimal effort, you’ll craft a bowl of pure comfort that speaks directly to your hunger.

Let every bite transport you to a kitchen filled with warmth and deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Ingredient List

• Onion: Aromatic foundation that builds deep flavor layers for the soup.
• Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Provides subtle earthy undertones and classic soup aromatics.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that elevates the entire soup profile.

• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, savory liquid foundation for soup.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Delivers bright, tangy base with robust tomato essence.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds smooth, silky texture.

• Shredded Chicken: Hearty protein that makes soup satisfying and nutritious.
• Spinach or Kale: Introduces fresh, nutrient-dense green element with delicate texture.

• Basil: Brings fresh, aromatic Mediterranean herb character.
• Oregano: Adds warm, slightly peppery herbal notes.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice component for gentle heat.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall flavor with zesty, tangy finish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste profile.

• Orzo: Tiny pasta shape that creates delightful, creamy soup texture.

• Fresh Herbs: Adds visual appeal and fresh flavor boost.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides rich, salty finishing touch.

Tools for Preparing Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Measuring cups: Help measure broth and orzo accurately.
• Ladle: Great for serving soup into bowls.
• Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese as a topping.

Instructions for Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

• Warm Up the Cooking Pot

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium flame. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Let these veggies dance and soften for about 5 minutes.

• Wake Up the Flavors

Add minced garlic and sprinkle in aromatic herbs. Create a flavor explosion with a pinch of crushed red pepper. Pour in crushed tomatoes and rich chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle bubble.

• Introduce the Orzo

Lower the heat and drop in uncooked orzo. Let it swim and cook for roughly 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes tender and plump.

• Bring in the Protein and Greens

Slide in shredded chicken and fresh leafy greens. Allow them to mingle and warm through for a few minutes until the greens look deliciously wilted.

• Final Touch of Brightness

Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. The soup is ready to comfort and delight. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Flavor Tweaks & Tips for Orzo Tomato Soup

• Gently stir orzo to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Prepare soup base a day in advance and add orzo and chicken just before serving to maintain perfect texture.
• Replace chicken with white beans or tofu for vegetarian version; use gluten-free orzo for celiac-friendly option.
• Roast vegetables before adding to soup for deeper, richer taste profile; add splash of white wine for extra complexity.
• Store soup without orzo separately to prevent pasta from becoming mushy; add fresh orzo when reheating for best results.

Serving Orzo Tomato Soup with Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty soup with crusty garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal that warms everyone's heart.
• Mediterranean Lunch Plate: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad and kalamata olives to enhance the Mediterranean flavors of the chicken orzo soup.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top and add a side of toasted crostini with melted mozzarella for a decadent cheese experience.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform leftovers into a nutritious grain bowl by adding extra roasted vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick lunch option.

Storage Tips for Chicken Orzo Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 35 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freeze soup without pasta to prevent mushy orzo. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in refrigerator and reheat with freshly cooked orzo.
• Warm soup gently on stovetop, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
• Keep fresh herbs, grated Parmesan, and additional greens separate from main soup. Add these garnishes just before serving to maintain crispness and vibrant flavors.

Hearty Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken orzo tomato soup delivers Mediterranean comfort in a single spoonful. Savory herbs, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked orzo combine to create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (28 oz / 794 g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium temperature. Incorporate onion, carrot, and celery, gently transforming them until they become tender and translucent. Introduce garlic and allow it to release its fragrant essence.
2. Infuse Herbal Essence: Sprinkle basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes into the vegetable mixture. Pour crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, elevating the liquid to a gentle simmer.
3. Integrate Orzo and Protein: Cascade uncooked orzo into the bubbling liquid, reducing heat to allow gentle cooking. After approximately 10 minutes, when orzo reaches perfect tenderness, fold in shredded chicken and leafy greens.
4. Finalize and Enhance: Brighten the soup with a splash of lemon juice, then calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the soup to harmonize its flavors for a few moments before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and a delicate dusting of Parmesan cheese if desired, creating a comforting and vibrant culinary experience.

Notes

• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Stir orzo frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and achieve perfect al dente consistency without becoming mushy.
• Use rotisserie chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for tender, flavorful shredded meat that absorbs soup’s seasoning.
• Adjust chicken broth quantity based on desired soup thickness, adding more for a lighter consistency or reducing for a heartier texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg