Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe
This comforting Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup combines tender shredded chicken, caramelized tomato paste, and flavorful chicken broth with tender orzo pasta and a creamy finish. Slowly sautéed garlic and Italian seasoning create a rich base, while a splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor. Served with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and crusty bread, this soup is a satisfying and easy meal perfect for any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Broth 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
Pasta and Protein
- 1 cup DeLallo Orzo Pasta
- 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (pulled rotisserie chicken meat recommended)
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 cups water as needed for desired consistency
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Herbs (such as parsley or basil), for serving
- Red pepper flakes, for serving
- Lemon, for serving
- Bread, for serving
- Pesto for serving (optional; recipe notes included)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: 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, being careful not to brown it to avoid bitterness.
- 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, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
- Add Broth and Season: Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to create a smooth liquid. Season with salt, starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adjusting according to taste and broth saltiness.
- 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 extra broth as needed to reach your preferred soup consistency. Stir in the heavy cream to finish with a creamy texture.
- Add Chicken and Lemon: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Squeeze in a generous amount of fresh lemon juice to add brightness and elevate the flavors.
- 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
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent burning the garlic and tomato paste during sautéing.
- Pesto pairs beautifully with this soup and can be made by blending fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut, but leftover cooked chicken works perfectly as well.
Keywords: Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup, creamy tomato soup, Italian chicken soup, easy chicken soup recipe, orzo pasta soup
Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/chicken-orzo-tomato-soup-recipe/
