Description
This Italian Chicken and Orzo Soup is a warm and hearty meal that combines tender chicken pieces, delicate orzo pasta, and vibrant fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful vegetable broth with plant-based touches. Perfect for a satisfying, comforting dish ready in under an hour, it offers a colorful, nutritious, and versatile flavor experience ideal for any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into pieces
Pasta
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (natural)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
Liquids & Fats
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or oregano, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the onions, carrots, and celery to create a classic soffritto base. Heat olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the vegetables until softened and aromatic, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Chicken: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and brown them lightly on all sides to lock in the flavor before simmering.
- Pour in Broth and Tomatoes: Add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (natural) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
- Add Orzo and Greens: Stir in the orzo pasta and fresh spinach or kale. Let the soup simmer gently until the pasta is tender and the greens have wilted, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and add fresh herbs.
- Final Adjustments and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add any extra fresh parsley or basil just before serving. Serve warm with optional garnishes.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken pieces for an even richer broth.
- Add orzo near the end to prevent overcooking and ensure a tender texture.
- Fresh herbs added last brighten the overall flavor.
- Simmer gently on low heat to develop flavors fully without losing texture.
- Skim any excess foam or fat during cooking for a clear broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Italian soup, chicken soup, orzo soup, vegetable soup, comforting soup, quick dinner, healthy soup
