Introduction
Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is one of the most comforting meals you can make when you’re craving warmth, creaminess, and satisfying flavors in a single bowl. This recipe blends tender chicken, smooth tomato broth, and delicate orzo pasta to create a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup delivers the perfect balance of convenience and heartiness. In this introduction, you’ll learn why Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup has become a top choice among home cooks and how its flavorful ingredients come together effortlessly.
Table of Contents
Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup – Cozy, Creamy, and Hearty Comfort
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A cozy and creamy Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup made with tender chicken, tomato broth, soft orzo pasta, and herbs for the perfect comforting meal.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
6 cups chicken broth
1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
2 tbsp tomato paste
3/4 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth; simmer 10 minutes.
4. Add chicken, basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Add orzo and simmer 8–10 minutes.
6. Stir in cream and heat gently.
7. Serve warm with parsley.
Notes
Cook orzo separately if storing leftovers.
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Add spinach during the last 2 minutes for extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Below is a complete, organized ingredient list to make preparation simple.
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Carrots, diced | 2 medium |
| Celery stalks, diced | 2 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Cooked shredded chicken | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Orzo pasta | 3/4 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Allow them to cook for about five minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing the vegetables builds the soup’s aromatic foundation, creating layers of flavor that enhance the final dish.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, blending them with the cooked vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. At this stage, the soup begins to develop its rich tomato base. Bring the mixture to a simmer for 10 minutes, letting the flavors deepen.
3. Add Chicken and Seasonings
Mix in shredded cooked chicken along with dried basil, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. These herbs and spices give the soup its classic Italian-style warmth. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes. Using pre-cooked chicken helps speed up the recipe while still delivering tenderness.
4. Cook the Orzo
Pour in the orzo pasta and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Orzo cooks directly in the soup, absorbing flavors while releasing starch that contributes to natural creaminess. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
5. Finish with Cream
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup warm gently without boiling. The cream transforms the broth into a silky, luscious base that feels cozy and comforting. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish and Serve
Ladle the finished soup into bowls and sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired. The fresh herbs add brightness and color. Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Helpful Tips
- If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add spinach at the end for extra nutrients and color.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Conclusion
Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is a complete comfort meal that combines creamy tomato broth, tender chicken, and satisfying orzo pasta. Its simplicity makes it ideal for busy nights, while its richness creates a cozy experience perfect for colder seasons. With customizable ingredients and simple steps, this dish becomes a staple recipe you’ll revisit often.
FAQ: Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup
1. Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Yes, you can simmer uncooked chicken breasts directly in the broth until fully cooked, then shred and return to the soup.
2. How do I prevent the orzo from absorbing too much liquid?
Serve the soup immediately after adding the orzo, or cook and store the orzo separately if preparing ahead.
3. Can Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup be frozen?
It can, but the orzo may soften during freezing. For best results, freeze the soup without orzo and add freshly cooked orzo when reheating.
4. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, coconut milk, or a splash of milk for a lighter, less creamy version.