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Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

This Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is a comforting and flavorful bowl of goodness featuring tender chicken, sweet tomato paste, and delicate orzo pasta simmered in a savory broth and finished with a touch of cream and fresh lemon. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup blends Italian-inspired flavors with easy, approachable steps, making it a delicious option for any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup 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
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • Salt to taste

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup DeLallo Orzo Pasta
  • 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (pulled rotisserie chicken meat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1–2 cups water as needed for desired consistency

To Serve

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

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant, making sure it does not brown to avoid bitterness.
  2. Cook Tomato Paste and Seasoning: 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.
  3. Add Broth and Season: Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to combine into a smooth liquid. Season with salt, starting with 1/2 teaspoon, and adjust to taste based on the broth’s 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 your preferred 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 add brightness and wake up the flavors.
  6. Serve: 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 optionally with pesto for dipping the bread before enjoying with the soup.

Notes

  • Be careful not to brown the garlic to prevent bitterness in the soup.
  • Caramelizing the tomato paste deeply enhances the depth of flavor in the soup.
  • Adjust salt carefully depending on the saltiness of your chicken broth.
  • Use pulled rotisserie chicken for convenience and best flavor.
  • Add water or broth gradually to achieve your desired soup thickness.
  • Pesto is optional but adds a nice herby complement when served with bread.
  • Fresh lemon juice is key to brightening and balancing the richness of the soup.

Keywords: Chicken Orzo Soup, Tomato Soup, Comfort Soup, Easy Weeknight Soup, Italian Soup, Creamy Tomato Soup, Rotisserie Chicken Soup

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