Name: Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced; 1/4 cup DeLallo Tomato Paste; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 4 cups chicken broth; Salt to taste; 1 cup DeLallo Orzo Pasta; 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (pulled rotisserie chicken meat recommended); 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1-2 cups water as needed for desired consistency; Parmesan cheese, grated; Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil; Red pepper flakes; Fresh lemon juice; Bread (warm crusty bread recommended); Pesto (optional, for dipping bread)

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Introduction

This Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup combines tender chicken, flavorful tomato paste, and tender orzo pasta in a comforting, creamy broth. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for any day you crave a hearty soup. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is ideal for home cooks seeking warmth and wholesome flavors.

A white bowl filled with chunky tomato soup with visible pieces of pasta, chickpeas, and beans in a bright red broth. The soup has a dollop of green pesto on top and two fresh green basil leaves placed neatly. A silver spoon scoops some pasta and tomato pieces from the bowl. The bowl sits on a light blue plate against a white marbled surface, with another bowl of the same soup blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
1/4 cup DeLallo Tomato Paste
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups chicken broth
Salt to taste
1 cup DeLallo Orzo Pasta
2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (pulled rotisserie chicken meat recommended)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1-2 cups water as needed for desired consistency
Parmesan cheese, herbs (such as parsley or basil), red pepper flakes, and lemon for serving
Bread for serving
Pesto for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant, being careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomato paste caramelizes and deepens to a rich red color, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
Step 3: Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth liquid. Season with salt, starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adjusting to taste depending on the broth’s saltiness.
Step 4: Add the orzo pasta to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Add water or more broth as needed to reach your preferred consistency. Stir in the heavy cream to add creaminess.
Step 5: Stir in the chopped or shredded cooked chicken. Squeeze in a generous amount of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve with warm crusty bread, and optionally with pesto to dip the bread before enjoying alongside the soup.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and extra flavor.
Add a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes for an extra boost of greens.
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Serve with pesto as a tasty dip to complement the soup and bread.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. The orzo may absorb liquid over time, so adjust consistency as needed.

How to Serve

A white pot filled with a warm, orange-red soup showing shredded chicken, small white pasta, slices of carrot, and green leafy vegetables in a thick broth, with a wooden spoon holding some soup inside the pot. To the left, there is a wooden cutting board with several slices of brown bread arranged in a fan shape. Below the pot, a white bowl filled with fresh green herbs sits next to two garlic bulbs on a folded orange cloth. To the right, there is an empty speckled white bowl on a white marbled surface. A small glass jar with bay leaves is near the top-right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Cooked chicken that is shredded or chopped works best for this soup. If using dried or uncooked chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup to ensure tenderness and safety.

What can I substitute for orzo pasta?

You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or small shells. Adjust cooking time accordingly as some pasta shapes may cook faster or slower than orzo.