Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup
A cozy, comforting soup loaded with shredded chicken, tender orzo pasta, and a creamy tomato base. This simple 30 minute recipe is full of rich flavor from garlic, herbs, and lemon; perfect for chilly nights or quick weeknight dinners.
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
Tips
- 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.