Description
Italian Chicken and Orzo Soup is a warm, comforting, and nourishing meal filled with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a vibrant mix of vegetables. The delicate orzo pasta pairs perfectly with a rich, flavorful broth enhanced with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), tomato paste (natural), and Italian seasoning (natural), making it a wholesome and satisfying dish ideal for cozy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
Pasta
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Liquids & Sauces
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (natural)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, building a flavorful foundation for the broth.
- Add the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the pot. Cook until the chicken is just opaque on the outside, stirring occasionally for even browning while keeping the chicken tender inside.
- Combine Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), tomato paste (natural), Italian seasoning (natural), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Let the flavors meld as the chicken cooks through.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the simmering soup. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender but still with a slight bite, allowing the pasta to absorb the soup’s flavors and thicken it slightly.
- Finish with Freshness: Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice (natural) to brighten the flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for warmth and balance.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley and Italian seasoning (natural) for more vibrant flavor than dried alone.
- Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushy texture; cook just until tender.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté vegetables first and add tomato paste (natural) early to deepen the broth’s richness.
- Allow soup to rest for a few minutes off heat to deepen and balance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Italian Chicken Soup, Orzo Soup, Comfort Soup, Hearty Soup, Chicken and Orzo, Easy Weeknight Soup, Healthy Soup
