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Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe

5 from 119 reviews

This Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful tomato paste, and tender orzo pasta in a creamy, comforting broth. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a splash of fresh lemon juice, this hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal. Served with Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and crusty bread, it offers a delightful balance of rich and bright flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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
  • 12 cups water as needed for desired consistency

For Serving

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic: 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, ensuring it does not brown to avoid bitterness.
  2. Cook Tomato Paste and Seasoning: 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.
  3. Add Broth and Season: Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring to combine into a smooth liquid. Season with salt starting with 1/2 teaspoon, then adjust to taste depending on the saltiness of the broth used.
  4. Cook Orzo: 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 additional broth as needed to achieve your preferred soup consistency. Stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy texture.
  5. Add Chicken and Lemon: Stir in the chopped or shredded cooked chicken. Squeeze a generous amount of fresh lemon juice into the soup to add brightness and awaken the flavors.
  6. Serve: 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 for dipping the bread before enjoying alongside the soup.

Notes

  • Use pulled rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
  • Do not brown the garlic to avoid bitterness; just sauté until soft and fragrant.
  • Adjust soup thickness with water or extra broth according to your preference.
  • For a dairy-free option, omit the heavy cream or substitute with coconut cream.
  • Pesto is optional but adds a nice herbal richness when served with bread.

Keywords: chicken soup, orzo soup, tomato soup, creamy chicken soup, easy dinner, comfort food, Italian soup