Description
This Easy Italian Chicken and Orzo Soup features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, savory herbs, and orzo pasta in a comforting, flavorful broth. Ready in under 40 minutes, it is a nutritious and versatile meal perfect for any day, offering warmth and satisfying taste in every bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb tender chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs blend (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop the carrots, celery, and onion, and mince the garlic to have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth along with crushed tomatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and Italian herbs blend. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the simmering broth. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender with a slight bite.
- Finish with Fresh Greens and Lemon: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt into the soup. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors just before serving.
Notes
- Use homemade chicken broth if possible for enhanced depth and richness.
- Don’t overcook the orzo to maintain its texture even after reheating.
- Toast herbs lightly in olive oil before adding broth to release full aroma.
- Shred chicken instead of chopping for a softer texture.
- Adjust salt at the end as broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) already contribute saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Italian chicken soup, orzo soup, easy chicken soup, healthy soup, quick chicken dinner
