This creamy chicken orzo soup is warm and comforting, perfect for a cozy night in. It has tender chicken, soft orzo pasta, and a rich, tasty broth that feels like a hug in a bowl!
I love how it only takes one pot to make this dish! It’s great for leftovers too—I often enjoy it for lunch the next day. You can never have too much soup, right? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing. If you want something different, avocado oil or butter can work too. Both add lovely flavors!
Chicken Broth: Using homemade broth is fantastic for flavor. If you’re short on time, low-sodium store-bought broth is a good alternative. Vegetable broth works well too if you want a lighter version.
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta is perfect in soups, but if you can’t find it, try using small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice for a gluten-free option.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is super easy and adds great taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, grilled chicken breast works nicely too.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds freshness, but you could swap it with kale or even frozen spinach if that’s what you have. Just thaw and drain it well before adding.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, consider half-and-half or even milk. Coconut milk can work as a dairy-free alternative, giving a unique twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Soup?
The key to a creamy chicken orzo soup is balancing the broth and cream while cooking the orzo properly. Here are some tips:
- Start by sautéing veggies in oil until softened. Don’t rush this step; it builds flavor!
- When adding orzo, keep an eye on the cooking time. Undercook slightly since it will continue cooking in the soup.
- Adding cream at a lower heat prevents curdling. Stir gently to combine and let it heat through.
Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if it’s too thick or simmer a bit longer if too thin. Enjoy your warm bowl of soup!
Delicious Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken orzo soup takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious soup in about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent. This step is important for developing a wonderful flavor.
2. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. Make sure to keep stirring to avoid burning the garlic as it cooks quickly!
3. Pour in the Chicken Broth:
Next, pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.
4. Cook the Orzo:
Once the broth is boiling, add the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
5. Add Chicken and Spinach:
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and blends nicely into the soup.
6. Stir in Cream and Dill:
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and dill. Heat through gently, but do not boil to prevent curdling. You’ll want that creamy goodness without any lumps!
7. Season and Serve:
Finally, add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference. Serve your creamy chicken orzo soup hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley if you like. Enjoy a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a hug!
Dig into this delightful soup and savor every spoonful. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables can save time. Just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through, and they’ll blend right into the soup!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, coconut milk works well and adds a subtle flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Is There a Gluten-Free Option for Orzo?
Yes! You can look for gluten-free orzo pasta or substitute it with a small gluten-free pasta shape like rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
