Description
Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender shredded chicken, small pasta pearls, and fresh vegetables simmered in a bright, citrusy broth enhanced with lemon zest and juice. Finished with a touch of cream, this flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the base vegetables: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pot. Simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
- Add chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Add cream: Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream, combining well to create a smooth, creamy texture in the soup.
- Season with lemon: Add the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to infuse the lemon flavor.
- Serve: Garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot for a deliciously bright and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness in the soup.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken can be used as a convenient shortcut.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preferred soup creaminess.
- Orzo can be substituted with other small pasta shapes like ditalini if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup freezes well; reheat gently and add extra broth or water if it thickens too much.
