Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is a comforting and hearty soup that combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and flavorful tomatoes with aromatic herbs and vegetables. This homemade version is packed with wholesome ingredients and is perfect for warming up on chilly days or for a comforting meal any time of year. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Recipe: Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté Chicken:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
   • Add the chicken to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes (including juices), chicken broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer Soup:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Orzo Pasta:
   • Stir in the orzo pasta and continue to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
6. Return Chicken to Soup:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
   • Ladle the Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and chopped fresh parsley or basil.
8. Serve Warm:
   • Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad, if desired.

Tips:

• To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken instead of cooking raw chicken.
• For a richer flavor, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations:

• Add diced potatoes or white beans for added texture and heartiness.
• Substitute spinach or kale for the celery for a different flavor profile and added nutrition.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the chicken, adding extra vegetables or tofu for protein.

Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and flavorful tomatoes makes it a favorite among soup lovers. Enjoy this homemade version for a cozy and delicious meal!