Cozy Up with Creamy Chicken Orzo in Just 20 Minutes Recipe

Introduction

This creamy chicken orzo is a comforting and hearty dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and delicate orzo pasta, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (can substitute with vegetable oil)
• 1 medium yellow onion (substitute with shallots if desired)
• 2 stalks celery (can be replaced with bell peppers)
• 2 medium carrots (substitute with parsnips if preferred)
• 3 cloves garlic (use garlic powder as a quicker alternative)
• 4 cups chicken stock (vegetable broth can be used for a lighter version)
• 1 cup orzo (can swap with any small pasta shape or risotto rice)
• 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley (omit or use basil if needed)
• To taste sea salt
• To taste freshly cracked black pepper
• To taste garlic powder
• To taste Italian seasoning
• Cooked chicken (quantity as preferred)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 7 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing the aroma to develop.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken stock and increase the heat to bring it to a boil.
4. Step 4: Stir in cooked chicken and orzo. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir gently to combine.
5. Step 5: Add minced parsley, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and cracked black pepper to taste. Let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender and orzo is creamy and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly by omitting the chicken.
• Swap orzo with small pasta shapes or risotto rice for different textures.
• Add a splash of cream or a handful of grated Parmesan for extra richness.
• Use fresh herbs like basil instead of parsley for a different flavor note.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and can save preparation time. Just add it along with the orzo in step 4.

What can I do if I don’t have orzo?

You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes, couscous, or even risotto rice for a similar texture and cooking time.

Cozy Up with Creamy Chicken Orzo in Just 20 Minutes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy chicken orzo soup is a comforting and hearty meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pearl-like orzo pasta, it offers a wholesome and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (can substitute with shallots)
• 2 stalks celery, chopped (can be replaced with bell peppers)
• 2 medium carrots, chopped (can substitute with parsnips)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder as quicker alternative)
• 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley (can omit or substitute with basil)

Liquids and Stock

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (can substitute with vegetable oil)
• 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable broth for lighter version)

Pasta and Protein

• 1 cup orzo (can swap with any small pasta shape or risotto rice)
• Cooked chicken, amount not specified but estimated 1 1/2 cups shredded or diced

Seasonings

• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Italian seasoning, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots with a pinch of sea salt. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release its aroma.
3. Add chicken stock and bring to boil: Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a lively boil.
4. Combine chicken and orzo: Add the cooked chicken and 1 cup of orzo to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
5. Season and simmer: Stir in the minced parsley, then season with sea salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the orzo has absorbed most of the broth, resulting in a creamy texture.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
• You can swap orzo for any small pasta shape or risotto rice depending on preference.
• Adjust seasoning quantities according to taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To speed up the cooking process, garlic powder can be used instead of fresh garlic.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy chicken orzo, chicken orzo soup, quick chicken soup, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, stovetop soup