Name: Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced; 1/4 cup DeLallo Tomato Paste; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 4 cups chicken broth; Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon); 1-2 cups water as needed; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 cup DeLallo Orzo Pasta; 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (pulled rotisserie chicken recommended); Parmesan cheese; Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil); Red pepper flakes; Fresh lemon juice; Bread for serving; Pesto for serving (optional)

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Introduction

This Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any day you crave something warm and satisfying. With tender chicken, creamy tomato broth, and delicate orzo pasta, it’s a meal that comes together easily and delights every time.

A dark gray bowl with two handles holds a soup with a clear orange broth filled with small white rice-like grains, tender pieces of white chicken, and green herbs spread throughout, with a golden spoon lifting some soup showing the layers inside clearly. Behind the bowl, there is a white plate with green sauce and a golden spoon in it, and two pieces of light brown crusty bread rest slightly blurred in the background. The setup is on a white marbled textured surface with a dark gray cloth beneath the bowl, creating a cozy and warm feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
1/4 cup DeLallo Tomato Paste
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups chicken broth
Salt to taste
1 cup DeLallo Orzo Pasta
2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (pulled rotisserie chicken recommended)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1-2 cups water as needed for desired consistency
Parmesan cheese, herbs (such as parsley or basil), red pepper flakes, and lemon for serving
Bread for serving
Pesto for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant, taking care not to brown it to avoid bitterness.
Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomato paste caramelizes and deepens to a rich red color, which enhances the soup’s flavor.
Step 3: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine into a smooth liquid. Season with salt, starting with 1/2 teaspoon, and adjust according to taste and the saltiness of your broth.
Step 4: Add the orzo pasta to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Add water or additional broth as needed to reach your preferred soup consistency. Stir in the heavy cream for a creamy texture.
Step 5: Stir in the chopped or shredded cooked chicken. Squeeze a generous amount of fresh lemon juice into the soup to brighten and enhance the flavors.
Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve with warm crusty bread and pesto on the side if desired for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for easy prep, or poach chicken breasts for a homemade touch.
For a dairy-free version, omit the heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk.
Add a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
If you like heat, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, heat gently on the stove and add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. This soup does not freeze well as the cream and orzo may separate or become mushy.

How to Serve

A black pot filled with bright orange soup that has visible small pieces of shredded chicken, chopped green herbs, and orzo pasta, which is small and oval-shaped, floating throughout. A golden spoon scoops out some of the soup, showing the clear broth and the texture of the chicken and orzo. Around the pot, there is a piece of crusty white bread resting on a wooden cutting board and a small white bowl filled with green pesto sauce. The scene is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or pastina work well. Avoid larger shapes as they won’t cook evenly in the soup.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken, or replace it with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or beans for added protein.