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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release its aroma.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
