Wholesome Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup to Soothe Your Soul

Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup brings together tender orzo pasta, juicy chicken, and rich tomato broth in each hearty bowl. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it quickly becomes a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Why Make This Recipe

This Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup stays true to the heart of home cooking. It offers a delightful way to combine healthy ingredients into an easy meal. The orzo provides a satisfying texture, while the combination of chicken, garlic, and spices creates a depth of flavor that warms the soul. Plus, you can enjoy this dish with crusty bread or even a dollop of pesto for extra flavor. Ready to be amazed at how quickly you can whip this up?

How to Make Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
1/4 cup DeLallo Tomato Paste
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups chicken broth
Salt to taste
1 cup DeLallo Orzo Pasta
2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (pulled rotisserie chicken meat recommended)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1-2 cups water as needed for desired consistency
Parmesan cheese, herbs (such as parsley or basil), red pepper flakes, and lemon for serving
Bread for serving
Pesto for serving (optional; recipe notes included)

Step by Step:

Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant, making sure it does not brown to avoid bitterness.
Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomato paste caramelizes and deepens to a rich red color, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring to combine into a smooth liquid. Season with salt starting with 1/2 teaspoon, adjusting to taste based on the saltiness of the broth used.
Add the orzo pasta to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Add water or additional broth as needed to achieve your preferred soup consistency.
Stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy texture.
Add the chopped or shredded cooked chicken. Squeeze a generous amount of fresh lemon juice into the soup to add brightness and awaken the flavors.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve with warm crusty bread, and optionally with pesto for dipping the bread before enjoying the soup.

How to Serve Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

Serve your Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup hot in bowls. Accompany it with slices of crusty bread for dipping or spread with a flavorful pesto. This soup pairs well with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the soup thickens, simply add a little water or broth to reheat it on the stove. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions, allowing it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Tips to Make Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

Use a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
Customize your soup by adding other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving for added freshness.

Variation

For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative. You can also make this soup vegetarian by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leaving out the chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Just add it when you add the broth and simmer until cooked through, then shred it to add to the soup.

2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, omit the heavy cream or use a non-dairy cream alternative.

3. Is it safe to freeze Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but note that the orzo may become softer when reheated. Add fresh orzo when you reheat it, if desired, to maintain texture.

Enjoy this delightful Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup that warms the heart and soul! For more delicious chicken meals, check out this high-protein chicken salad or explore tasty variations with ground meat like this ground beef enchilada skillet.