When you’re craving something cozy but still bright and flavorful, this Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is exactly what you need. It’s hearty, comforting, and loaded with tender shredded chicken, tiny orzo pasta, and a rich tomato base that’s kissed with garlic, herbs, and a splash of cream. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug; especially when you serve it with crusty bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It comes together in about 30 minutes, and the ingredients are simple pantry staples: tomato paste, chicken broth, cooked chicken, and orzo. A squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil right before serving take it from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking for your family, or just need a bowl of something nourishing and soul soothing, this Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is going to be your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Comforting and filling: The orzo and chicken make it satisfying without being heavy.
- Bursting with flavor: Garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and lemon create a rich, bright taste.
- Customizable: Add more broth or water for a lighter texture, or keep it thick and creamy; your call!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this cozy bowl of soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil; use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste; gives the soup its deep tomato base.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; adds that classic herby flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth; homemade or store-bought works fine.
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta; tiny rice shaped pasta that makes this soup extra comforting.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded; rotisserie chicken works great here!
- ¼ cup heavy cream; for a touch of richness.
- 1–2 cups water, as needed for your preferred consistency.
- Toppings: Parmesan, herbs, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Bread for serving; crusty bread or baguette for dunking is a must!
- Optional: Pesto for dipping or swirling into the soup.
How to Make Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup
Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a warm, comforting soup on the table in no time:
1Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until it’s soft and fragrant, but not browned.
2Add tomato paste and seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes until the paste deepens in color and becomes slightly caramelized; this step builds that rich tomato flavor!
3Add the broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, allowing the mixture to become smooth and liquid. Taste and season with salt as needed.
4Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is soft. Add more broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
5Finish with cream and chicken: Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked chicken. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.
6Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped herbs, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve with crusty bread (and maybe a bit of pesto for dipping).
Tips for the Best Soup
- Don’t skip caramelizing the tomato paste. That’s where the deep flavor comes from.
- Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
- Add extra veggies like spinach or kale if you want to boost the nutrition.
- Make it ahead: This soup reheats beautifully; just add a little water or broth when reheating since the orzo may absorb some liquid.
Serving Ideas
Pair your Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup with:
- A side salad or roasted veggies.
- Garlic bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
- A drizzle of pesto or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a cozy bowl of soup on a chilly evening, and this Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup brings together everything you love; warmth, creaminess, and a bright, tangy finish. It’s the perfect comfort food that feels homemade and restaurant quality at the same time.
So grab your spoon (and some bread for dipping), and get ready to fall in love with your new go-to weeknight soup!
Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked or shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works great
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 –2 cups water as needed for desired consistency
For Serving:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs parsley or basil
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon wedges
- Crusty bread or baguette
- Pesto optional, for dipping or drizzling
Instructions
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until soft and fragrant, but not browned.
- Build the Tomato Base: Add tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, letting the tomato paste caramelize and deepen in color for maximum flavor.
- Add Broth and Season: Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to create a smooth mixture. Taste and season with salt as needed.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender. If the soup thickens too much, add more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in heavy cream and add the cooked chicken. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes. Serve with crusty bread or baguette, and a little pesto if desired.
Notes
- Caramelizing the tomato paste adds a rich, deep flavor; don’t skip this step.
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra veggies, stir in a handful of spinach or kale near the end.
- The soup will thicken as it sits; add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
