Description
This comforting Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is a perfect blend of tender chicken, flavorful tomato base, and delicate orzo pasta, enriched with cream and brightened with fresh lemon juice.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 cups water as needed for desired consistency
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), for serving
- Red pepper flakes, for serving
- Lemon, for serving
- Bread, for serving
- Pesto, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until soft and fragrant, avoiding browning.
2. Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomato paste caramelizes and deepens in color.
3. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring to combine. Season with salt starting at 1/2 teaspoon, adjusting to taste.
4. Add orzo pasta and bring soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender. Add water or more broth as needed. Stir in heavy cream.
5. Add chopped or shredded chicken. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to taste.
6. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan, herbs, and red pepper flakes.
7. Serve with crusty bread and optional pesto for dipping.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning the garlic and tomato paste.
Pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil pairs well with the soup.
Rotisserie chicken is convenient, but any cooked chicken works.
Adjust water or broth to your preferred soup consistency.
Lemon juice balances the richness and brightens the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg