Cozy Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

My culinary adventure with this hearty chicken orzo tomato soup began on a chilly evening when comfort called.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen inspired me to reimagine a classic Mediterranean-style recipe.

Robust tomatoes and tender chicken create a harmonious blend that warms from within.

Orzo pasta adds delightful texture, making each spoonful a comforting embrace.

Fresh herbs whisper tales of sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes into every bowl.

Simple ingredients dance together, promising a nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this soul-satisfying soup.

Flavor Variations for Orzo-Based Soup

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Swap: Replace orzo with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the soup's hearty texture.
• Vegetarian Bean Protein Boost: Substitute chicken with white beans or chickpeas to create a plant-based protein-rich alternative that keeps the soup's comforting essence.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Alternative: Use quinoa instead of orzo for a gluten-free grain option that provides similar texture and added protein for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Seafood Variation: Swap chicken with shrimp or white fish to create a coastal-inspired version that brings a lighter, oceanic flavor profile to the classic soup recipe.

Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup with Big Flavor

• Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and greens, this soup delivers a balanced meal that keeps you feeling full and energized throughout the day.
• Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, making this recipe a dream for those who dislike washing multiple dishes after cooking.
• Easily swap spinach for kale, adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, or add your favorite herbs to make this soup uniquely yours.

What’s Needed for This Comforting Soup

Main Ingredients:

Protein: – Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the soup, best to use shredded or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Grains: – Orzo: Small pasta that provides texture and helps thicken the soup, choose regular or whole wheat variety.

Vegetables: – Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic soup base with deep flavor and aromatic profile, fresh vegetables work best.

• Spinach or Kale: Nutritious green that adds color and nutrients, choose fresh and crisp leaves.

• Chicken Broth: Provides the soup's foundation and adds rich flavor, low-sodium versions recommended.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates a tangy and vibrant soup base, canned varieties work perfectly.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds smooth flavor, extra virgin recommended.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste, fresh cloves preferred.
• Basil, Oregano: Herbs that contribute Mediterranean flavor profile, dried or fresh work well.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle heat, adjust to personal spice preference.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that balances and lifts the soup's flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust to taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping for extra richness, freshly grated recommended.

Instructions to Make Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

• Onion
• Carrot
• Celery

Gently cook until vegetables soften and release their delightful fragrance. Sprinkle minced garlic and continue cooking briefly.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Fresh basil
• Dried oregano
• Crushed red pepper flakes

• Crushed tomatoes
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.

Step 3: Transform with Orzo

Fold uncooked orzo into the simmering liquid. Reduce heat and let it dance in the pot, stirring occasionally. Watch the pasta transform from firm to tender.

Step 4: Elevate with Protein and Greens

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Fresh spinach or kale

Allow the ingredients to mingle and heat through, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Step 5: Final Flourish

• Chopped fresh herbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Serve immediately and savor the comforting warmth.

Tips for Balancing Tomato and Chicken Flavor

• Swap Greens with Ease: Customize the soup by substituting spinach or kale with Swiss chard, arugula, or collard greens for a unique flavor profile and nutrient boost.
• Control Orzo Texture: Stir frequently while cooking orzo to prevent sticking and achieve a perfectly al dente consistency without becoming mushy.
• Boost Protein Power: Replace shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, canned white beans, or plant-based chicken alternatives to suit different dietary needs.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after sautéing vegetables to add a rich, complex undertone to the soup's base.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.

How to Keep and Reheat Your Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the soup separate from additional garnishes like Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
• Freeze soup without spinach or kale for maximum 2 months. Place in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened during storage to restore original consistency.
• Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until soup reaches desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, which can make orzo mushy.

Great Pairings for Chicken Tomato Soup

• Pair this vibrant chicken orzo tomato soup with crusty sourdough bread for perfect texture contrast and delicious dipping.
• Select a crisp, light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the soup's tangy tomato and herb profile.
• Serve alongside a simple Greek salad with feta cheese, cucumber, and kalamata olives to echo the soup's Mediterranean ingredients.
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top to introduce a cool, creamy element that balances the soup's warm, hearty flavors.

All About Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have orzo?

You can replace orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rice. These alternatives will work well and maintain a similar texture in the soup.

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, this soup is nutritionally balanced with lean protein from chicken, vegetables like carrots and spinach, and a tomato base rich in lycopene. It’s low in calories and provides essential nutrients.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace chicken with plant-based protein like white beans, tofu, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add extra protein like cooked beans, increase the amount of chicken, or serve with a side of crusty bread. You can also add more vegetables to boost nutrition and satiety.

Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken orzo tomato soup blends Mediterranean flavors into a hearty bowl of warmth. Savory herbs, tender chicken, and plump orzo create a delightful harmony you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 (28 oz / 794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale (optional)

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a capacious soup vessel over moderate heat. Introduce diced onion, carrot, and celery, gently sautéing until ingredients become tender and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and aromatic herbs, including basil, oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Allow flavors to bloom for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and rich chicken broth, elevating the mixture to a gentle simmer. This foundational liquid will create a robust flavor profile for the soup.
4. Sprinkle uncooked orzo into the simmering liquid, reducing heat and allowing pasta to cook slowly. Stir periodically to prevent sticking, ensuring orzo becomes perfectly tender in about 9-11 minutes.
5. Gently fold shredded chicken into the developing soup, allowing proteins to integrate seamlessly with the tomato base.
6. Introduce leafy greens like spinach or kale, letting them wilt gracefully into the soup’s texture. Continue cooking briefly to harmonize temperatures and flavors.
7. Brighten the soup’s complexity with a splash of fresh lemon juice. Season judiciously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance the overall taste.
8. Ladle the aromatic soup into serving bowls, optional garnishing with fresh herb sprigs and delicate Parmesan cheese shavings for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the protein-rich profile of the original recipe.
• Experiment with different orzo alternatives like quinoa or small pasta shapes for gluten-free or texture-varied options.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers during the sautéing stage for increased depth and vitamins.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing additional salt, making the soup heart-friendly and suitable for restricted diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg