Description
This Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a wholesome meal. Tender shredded chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables are simmered in a savory chicken broth, then enriched with cream and brightened with lemon zest and juice for a refreshing tang. It’s a quick and satisfying soup that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Fats
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender but not mushy.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and let it warm through for 3-4 minutes within the soup.
- Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream, creating a richer texture without boiling it.
- Season and Finish: Add the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer lightly for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the soup from heat. Ladle into bowls and garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot for best taste and comfort.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken like rotisserie or leftovers for quick preparation.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for desired brightness.
- Orzo cooks quickly; watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- To make it gluten free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
