Warm Chicken Orzo Soup Feels Like a Hug
A creamy, herb-forward soup blending Mediterranean-inspired flavors with tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and orzo pasta. Hearty yet light, perfect for cozy meals or self-care dinners.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: quick
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Regular
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup orzo pasta
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan (optional)
Red wine vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Prep ingredients: Dice onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Heat oil in a large pot over medium. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery 5-7 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1-2 minutes while stirring.
Add chicken, broth, crushed tomatoes, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15 minutes.
Remove chicken, shred (or keep whole), and stir back into pot. Add orzo and simmer 8-10 minutes until al dente.
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional basil/vinegar/lemon juice. Garnish with Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Substitute zucchini or yellow squash for one vegetable
Make it vegan: Omit chicken, add chickpeas or tofu and a vegetable broth
Use gluten-free orzo for dietary needs
Add a splash of coconut milk for extra creaminess without dairy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg