Creamy Orzo Chicken Soup

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If you are looking for a warm and comforting soup that’s both hearty and satisfying, this Creamy Orzo Chicken Soup is the perfect solution! Packed with vegetables, chicken, orzo and a rich, creamy broth, this soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s simple to make, with just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps that will have dinner on the table in 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch, this recipe will surely hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Orzo Chicken Soup

This creamy chicken soup is the epitome of comfort food. The foundation of this soup starts with a classic mirepoix – diced onions, carrots, and celery. Fresh garlic and aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme infuse the broth with deep, savory flavors. The addition of all-purpose flour helps create a slightly thickened base, while heavy cream gives the soup the perfectly creamy broth. The orzo pasta, which resembles large grains of rice, adds texture and helps make the soup more filling.

Not only does this soup taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a comforting bowl of creamy orzo chicken soup ready to serve. Perfect for busy days when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen!

How to Make Creamy Orzo Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant. The vegetables should start to soften, releasing their natural sweetness and creating the base for the soup.

Step 2: Add Herbs and Flour

Next, sprinkle in the dried oregano, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the seasonings. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir for about 3 minutes, allowing the flour to cook slightly and absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let the soup cook gently for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together. The heavy cream will add richness, while the broth serves as a flavorful base.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo and Chicken

Once the soup is simmering, add the orzo and cooked chicken. Stir to combine, and let the soup cook for about 8-9 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. The orzo will absorb some of the broth, making the soup even more comforting.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the orzo is cooked through, it’s time to serve your creamy orzo chicken soup! Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley and a dash of black pepper. The fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the soup.

Conclusion

This Creamy Orzo Chicken Soup is the ultimate cozy meal, packed with flavors and textures that will leave you satisfied and comforted. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for chilly days when you need something warm and filling. Serve it with some crusty bread for the perfect soup experience. Enjoy!

If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like my:

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken & Stars Soup

Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Tips & Substitutions

Cooking Tips:

  1. Sauté Vegetables for Maximum Flavor: Make sure to sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they're soft and slightly golden. This enhances the flavors and adds depth to the soup.
  2. Don't Overcook the Orzo: Orzo cooks quickly, usually in 8-9 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t become mushy - you want it tender but not overly soft.
  3. Stir Occasionally: Since orzo can stick to the bottom of the pot, stir the soup every few minutes while it cooks to ensure it doesn’t burn or clump together.
  4. Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens too much after refrigerating, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme can add a burst of color and flavor when serving. A little freshly ground black pepper also adds a nice kick.

Ingredient Substitutions:

  1. Butter: You can replace butter with olive oil or ghee for a dairy-free version.
  2. Orzo: If you don't have orzo, you can substitute it with another small pasta like ditalini or small shells/elbows.
  3. Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken—rotisserie chicken is great for convenience.
  4. Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, use canned unsweetened coconut milk.
  5. Flour: If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
  6. Carrots, Celery, and Onion: These are essential for flavor, but you can customize them to your liking. Try parsnips instead of carrots or leeks in place of onions. Zucchini can also be added for extra veggies!

Dietary Substitutions:

  1. Dairy-Free: To make the soup dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and replace the heavy cream with canned unsweetened coconut milk.
  2. Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour to thicken the soup, and swap out the orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice.
  3. Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and substitute with tofu or chickpeas for protein. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a heartier option.

Freezer Directions:

  1. Freezing the Soup: This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. After cooking, let the soup cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bag. Be sure to leave some room for expansion.
  2. Freezing Tips: If you’re freezing the soup, avoid adding the orzo before freezing, as it may become mushy when reheated. Instead, cook the orzo separately and add it just before serving. You can also freeze the soup without the orzo and cook the pasta fresh when you reheat.
  3. Reheating: To reheat, defrost the soup overnight in the fridge or use the defrost function on your microwave. Heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, and then add the orzo or pasta if you froze it separately.
  4. Storage Time: The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date you froze it so you can track its freshness.

Creamy Orzo Chicken Soup

If you are looking for a warm and comforting soup that’s both hearty and satisfying, this Creamy Orzo Chicken Soup is the perfect solution! Packed with vegetables, chicken, orzo and a rich, creamy broth, this soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3-4 celery stalks, diced
  • 3-4 large carrots, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 3 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups orzo
  • 2 cups cooked chicken
  • Optional: black pepper and fresh parsley to serve

Directions

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, celery, carrot and garlic and saute for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent 
  2. Add dried oregano, fresh thyme, salt, pepper and flour and mix until the vegetables are evenly coated and simmer for about 3 minutes
  3. Add chicken broth and heavy cream and bring to a simmer
  4. Add orzo and cooked chicken and boil for about 8-9 minutes until the orzo has cooked through
  5. Serve with extra pepper and fresh parsley & ENJOY!
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Hey There! I'm Brooke Welcome to my Kitchen

Hi there! My name is Brooke Nickelatti and I am a recipe developer, food photographer, and lover of nutrition science. I am a firm believer that a healthy lifestyle begins in the kitchen and it is my mission to help others learn how to prepare meals that are both delicious and nutritious in a simple, time, and cost-efficient manner.

Things Used in Recipe

Large Soup Pot

Meal Prep Containers

Salt & Pepper Cellar

Small Prep Bowls

Magnetic Measuring Spoons

Material Kitchen Cutting Board