Description
This Italian Chicken and Orzo Soup is a warm, inviting dish bursting with flavor. Featuring tender chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs simmered with tender orzo pasta in a rich broth, it is perfect for comfort food any time of year. Nutritious, family-friendly, and easily adaptable, this soup satisfies your taste buds while nourishing your soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
Pasta and Grains
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Oils
- 6 cups natural chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional
- Pinch of natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Warm the olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the pot. Stir frequently until the chicken pieces are white on all sides, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. This locks in flavor and ensures tender, juicy bites.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the natural chicken broth, followed by a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Toss in the fresh thyme sprigs and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the simmering soup. Stir well and cook until the pasta is just tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook so the orzo maintains a slight bite and prevents the soup from becoming too thick.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the thyme sprigs from the pot. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley, which brightens the dish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of natural gelling agent to enrich the soup’s texture if you prefer it slightly thicker.
Notes
- Prepare ingredients ahead by chopping vegetables and dicing chicken to save time during cooking.
- Use homemade or high-quality natural chicken broth to enhance depth of flavor.
- Add orzo towards the end to prevent it from becoming mushy in leftovers.
- Use fresh thyme and parsley for the best aroma and taste.
- Adjust thickness by gradually adding natural gelling agent dissolved in cold water.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Freeze soup without orzo and add freshly cooked orzo when reheating for best texture.
- Reheat gently on stove, adding broth or water if soup is too thick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Italian chicken soup, orzo soup, comforting soup, chicken and pasta soup, healthy chicken soup, family-friendly soup
