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Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

This comforting Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup combines tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and a rich tomato base enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a splash of heavy cream. It’s a hearty, flavorful soup perfect for a cozy meal, served best with crusty bread and optional pesto for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauté Base

  • 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

Soup Liquids & Seasoning

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1–2 cups water as needed
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup DeLallo Orzo Pasta
  • 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (pulled rotisserie chicken recommended)

Garnishes and Serving

  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil)
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Bread for serving
  • Pesto for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced or minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is soft and fragrant, taking care not to brown it to avoid bitterness.
  2. Cook Tomato Paste and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, then cook for about 5 minutes until the tomato paste caramelizes and develops a deep red color, enriching the soup’s flavor.
  3. Add Broth and Season: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine smoothly. Season with salt starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste based on broth saltiness.
  4. Cook Orzo: 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 the desired soup consistency. Stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy texture.
  5. Add Chicken and Lemon: Stir in the chopped or shredded cooked chicken. Squeeze a generous amount of fresh lemon juice into the soup to brighten and enhance the overall flavor.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes according to your preference. Serve hot with warm crusty bread and, if desired, pesto on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Use pulled rotisserie chicken for convenience and great flavor.
  • Be careful not to brown the garlic during sauté to prevent bitterness.
  • Add water or broth gradually to adjust soup thickness to your preference.
  • Fresh lemon juice is key to brightening the rich flavors of the soup.
  • Pesto is optional but adds a wonderful herby contrast when paired with the bread.
  • This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Chicken soup, Orzo soup, Tomato soup, Easy dinner, Comfort food, Italian soup, One pot meal

Find it online: https://jedentaglecker.com/chicken-orzo-tomato-soup-recipe/