Warm Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup (Print View)
Chicken, orzo, and tomato blend with vegetables for a chunky, savory one-pot comfort meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
02 -
1 onion, diced
03 -
2 carrots, diced
04 -
2 celery stalks, diced
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 tablespoon tomato paste
07 -
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
08 -
4 cups chicken broth
09 -
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
10 -
1 cup orzo pasta
11 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 -
Salt, to taste
13 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnishes and Optional Ingredients
14 -
Fresh basil, chopped
15 -
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
16 -
Splash of red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice (optional)
# Directions:
01 -
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. If using whole chicken breasts or thighs, either cut into bite-size pieces or keep whole for shredding after cooking. Measure out the orzo, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes.
02 -
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent.
03 -
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
04 -
Add chicken pieces to the pot. Sear for several minutes until lightly browned on the outside. Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine.
05 -
Season with dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
06 -
If whole chicken pieces were used, remove them and shred with two forks. Return shredded meat to pot. Stir in orzo pasta and continue simmering, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes until orzo is al dente.
07 -
Taste soup and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Stir in chopped fresh basil. Optionally add a splash of red wine vinegar or squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
08 -
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with additional basil, grated Parmesan cheese if using, and serve with crusty bread if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
Use freshly shredded chicken for added texture and flavor integration. Adjust acidity with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice as needed just before serving.