Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe

If you are looking for a soul-warming meal that perfectly balances comfort and bright, fresh flavors, this Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, toothsome orzo pasta, and rich tomato undertones enhanced by a silky touch of cream. Each spoonful delivers a cozy yet vibrant experience that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or craving a satisfying solo dinner, this soup comes together quickly and promises a flavorful, hearty bowl every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe lies in its simple but quality ingredients, each one playing a vital role in creating a harmonious medley of flavors, textures, and colors. From the earthy garlic to the creamy finish, these ingredients make all the difference.

• DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a fruity, rich base that sautés the garlic perfectly and deepens the soup’s flavor.
• Garlic (4 cloves, thinly sliced or minced): Adds a fragrant aroma and subtle punch without overpowering the dish.
• DeLallo Tomato Paste (1/4 cup): Concentrates the tomato flavor with a beautiful caramelized sweetness.
• Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a balanced blend of herbs that complements the soup’s tomato and chicken elements.
• Chicken Broth (4 cups): Forms the flavorful, comforting base, contributing both moisture and richness.
• Salt (to taste): Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
• DeLallo Orzo Pasta (1 cup): Adds a delightful bite and body to the soup, absorbing the tomato broth beautifully.
• Chopped or shredded cooked chicken (2 cups): Provides hearty protein and a pleasant texture contrast.
• Heavy Cream (1/4 cup): Brings a luscious creaminess that mellows acidity and adds depth.
• Water (1-2 cups as needed): Gives you control over the soup’s consistency for a perfectly balanced broth.
• Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs (parsley or basil), red pepper flakes, and lemon: Essential garnishes that brighten and personalize each bowl.
• Bread and optional pesto for serving: Great companions to scoop up every last flavorful drop of your soup.

How to Make Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced or minced garlic and cook it gently for 1 to 2 minutes. The goal here is softness and aroma without browning—burnt garlic can introduce bitterness, so keep a watchful eye and stir frequently to get that gentle, fragrant garlic base just right.

Step 2: Cook the Tomato Paste and Italian Seasoning

Next, stir in the tomato paste along with the Italian seasoning. Allow this mixture to cook for about 5 minutes. You’ll see the paste start to caramelize and deepen in color, moving from a bright red to a richer, nearly ruby tone. This step is crucial for developing the soup’s complexity, taking the tomato flavor beyond the ordinary and infusing it with a subtle sweetness and depth.

Step 3: Add Broth and Season

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine everything into a smooth, cohesive base. Season this with salt, starting with about 1/2 teaspoon. Taste as you go—because every broth has a different saltiness level—to ensure the seasoning enhances rather than overwhelms your soup.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Introduce the orzo pasta into the pot and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the orzo reaches a tender, yet pleasantly firm bite. This is where you can add a splash or two of water or extra broth to adjust the soup’s thickness to your liking. Once the orzo is cooked, gently stir in the heavy cream, creating a beautiful, creamy texture that softens the acidity and enriches each spoonful.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Lemon

The final step before serving is to stir in your cooked chopped or shredded chicken. Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds delicious, smoky notes without extra effort. Don’t forget to squeeze a generous amount of fresh lemon juice at this stage—it adds a lively brightness that truly wakes up all the flavors, making your soup vibrant and fresh.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is combined and heated through, ladle your soup into warm bowls. It’s time for the grand finish with garnishes of your choice—grated Parmesan adds savory richness, fresh herbs like parsley or basil bring herbal freshness, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a kick of heat. Serve alongside crusty bread, and for an indulgent touch, a side of pesto for dipping the bread creates an irresistible combination.

How to Serve Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes transform a simple soup into something special. In this Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe, a handful of grated Parmesan cheese melts into the hot broth, offering an extra layer of savory richness. Fresh herbs—think parsley or basil—add a pop of color and fresh flavor, while red pepper flakes bring a touch of heat that wakes up your palate. Remember, these little toppings let you customize the soup exactly how you like it.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for sopping up every drop of the luscious broth. If you want to elevate the experience, serve the bread with a side of pesto—it’s a small addition that makes a big impact, adding herbaceous, garlicky flavor to each bite. For a light contrast, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the robust flavors of the soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, serve your Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation. You could also garnish with a swirl of pesto or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for added richness and a pop of color. If you’re hosting, set up a garnishing station with different herbs, cheeses, and spice options—this interactive touch makes the dining experience fun and personal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Note that the orzo pasta tends to soften after freezing and reheating, so consider slightly undercooking the orzo if you plan to freeze the soup. Freeze the soup without cream and add it fresh when reheating for optimal texture and flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat. If frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick. Add the heavy cream towards the end of reheating to preserve its silky texture and avoid curdling.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo is traditional and cooks quickly, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or ditalini also work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it’s best to omit the heavy cream until reheating to keep the texture smooth and avoid separation.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken or replace it with cooked beans or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

How can I make the soup spicier?

Adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will heat things up nicely. You can also add a pinch of cayenne powder when cooking the tomato paste for a subtle kick.

What’s the best way to shred leftover rotisserie chicken?

A simple way is to use two forks to pull apart the chicken into bite-sized shreds. This method keeps the meat tender and perfect for soup.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe is genuinely a keeper—quick to make, comforting, and bursting with flavor. It brings together wholesome ingredients and a creamy, tangy broth that feels like home in a bowl. I encourage you to give it a try soon, especially on days when you need something satisfying and nourishing without fuss. Once you do, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes for easy, delicious meals!

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