Description
Warm up with delicious Italian Chicken and Orzo Soup featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh parsley and basil, and a rich vegetable broth. This hearty soup blends vibrant flavors and textures into a comforting meal perfect for any day. Easy to prepare in under 45 minutes, it offers a nourishing and balanced dish suitable for chilly evenings or flavorful lunches, becoming a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (natural)
Broth and Liquids
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (natural), chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Oils and Additions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 2 tbsp plant-based cream or natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the carrots, celery, and garlic. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave whole for shredding later. Wash and chop all the fresh herbs, keeping them ready for later use.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and brown lightly on all sides to lock in flavor.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the Orzo Pasta: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook until tender yet slightly firm, about 8-10 minutes. This ensures a delightful texture contrast in the soup.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Seasoning: Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the chopped parsley and basil (natural). Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. For a creamy texture, gently fold in the plant-based cream or natural gelling agent if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use homemade vegetable broth whenever possible for a richer flavor.
- If using whole chicken pieces, reserve the bones and simmer separately to enhance broth depth.
- Add the orzo pasta in the last stage to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Always add fresh herbs at the end for a bright, fresh flavor.
- For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce liquid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Italian chicken soup, orzo soup, comforting soup, healthy chicken soup, easy dinner recipe, weeknight soup, vegetable broth soup
