Name: Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Some days just call for a bowl of warm, comforting soup. For me, creamy chicken orzo soup is the perfect dish when I want something filling but not too heavy. It’s packed with tender chicken, soft orzo pasta, and a creamy, flavorful broth that feels like a hug in a bowl.

The first time I made this soup, I was looking for an easy but satisfying dinner that didn’t take all day to cook. I had leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge and a half-empty box of orzo in the pantry. After adding some veggies and a splash of cream, I ended up with a soup that was so good, my family asked for seconds. Now, I make this recipe all the time, especially on chilly evenings or when someone in the house needs a little comfort food.

Servings	Total
6	40mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

Like a lot of my favorite recipes, this one came from experimenting in my own kitchen. I love chicken noodle soup, but I wanted something a little richer and creamier without being too heavy.

I started with a basic chicken soup recipe, swapped in orzo for regular noodles, and added a touch of cream to make it extra cozy. Over time, I played around with seasonings and ingredients until I landed on this version—creamy, full of flavor, and just the right balance of hearty and light.

Why Chicken Orzo Soup?

There’s a reason I keep coming back to this soup. Here’s why I love it:

Comforting and Creamy: The broth is rich but not too heavy.
Quick and Easy: It comes together in about 30 minutes.
Great for Meal Prep: The leftovers taste even better the next day.
Versatile: You can add extra veggies, swap the protein, or make it dairy-free if needed.

What Is Chicken Orzo Soup Made Of?

This soup is made with simple, wholesome ingredients:

Chicken: Cooked and shredded for easy prep.
Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion for a classic soup base.
Chicken Broth: The foundation of the soup’s flavor.
Cream: Adds a touch of richness to the broth.
Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, and a little lemon juice to brighten everything up.

What to Have with Chicken Orzo Soup

This soup is satisfying on its own, but it pairs well with a few simple sides:

Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing for a comforting meal.

Is Chicken Orzo Soup Healthy?

Yes! This soup is packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a moderate amount of cream for richness. You can make it even healthier by using whole wheat orzo, reducing the cream, or adding extra vegetables.

Kitchen Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board and knife
Wooden spoon or ladle
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk (for stirring in the cream)

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Stir in the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cream

Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded chicken.
Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips

Don’t Overcook the Orzo: It can get mushy if left in the soup too long. If making ahead, cook the orzo separately and add it just before serving.
Use Rotisserie Chicken for Easy Prep: It saves time and adds great flavor.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the cream or replace it with half-and-half.
Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the cream for coconut milk or leave it out altogether.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous work well.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but keep in mind that orzo can get soft after freezing. If freezing, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add everything except the orzo, cream, and lemon juice to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the orzo 30 minutes before serving, then add the cream and lemon juice at the end.

Conclusion

Creamy chicken orzo soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping it ahead for the week, this soup is sure to be a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!

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