There’s something so incredibly satisfying about a steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with good-for-you stuff! This Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup with Fresh Vegetables is the kind of dish that just hugs you from the inside. It’s my go-to when I need something truly comforting but don’t want to skimp on nutrition. My mom used to make a version of this when I was a kid, and just the smell of the onions and carrots softening in the pot takes me right back to her kitchen. It’s simple, wholesome, and always hits the spot, whether it’s a blustery evening or just a day when you need a little extra warmth. You’ll see how easy it is to get this deliciousness on the table!

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup

Seriously, this soup is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll be whipping it up again and again because:

It’s super quick – ready in under an hour!
The flavor is just *chef’s kiss* – so rich and satisfying.
It’s loaded with healthy veggies and lean protein.
It’s the ultimate comfort food on a chilly day.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup

Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing soup! The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, good-quality ingredients that you probably already have or can easily grab. Fresh is always best when you can swing it, especially for the veggies. We want that vibrant flavor to really shine through in every spoonful!

Chicken and Aromatics for Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup

First up, we’ve got about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just chop them into nice, bite-sized pieces – think about an inch or so, easy to eat with a spoon! Then, for our flavor base, grab one medium onion, two carrots, and two celery stalks. Give them all a good chop. And don’t forget two cloves of garlic, which you’ll want to mince up nice and fine.

Broth, Orzo, and Greens for Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup

The soul of our soup is the liquid, so we’re using 8 cups of chicken broth. You can use low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness yourself. Then, we need 1 cup of orzo pasta – those little rice-shaped noodles are just perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. For a pop of freshness at the end, we’ll add 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach and about half a cup of frozen peas.

Seasonings and Garnish for Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup

To make everything taste just right, we’ll need salt and freshly ground black pepper, of course. And for a lovely finishing touch, some fresh parsley, chopped up, makes this soup look and taste even better. It adds that perfect burst of freshness right before serving.

Simple Steps to Prepare Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup

Alright, get ready, because making this soup is seriously straightforward and so rewarding! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this deliciousness comes together. Let’s get cooking!

Browning the Chicken

First things first, grab your biggest pot or a Dutch oven. We’re going to heat up about a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering a bit, toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. You want to cook them until they’re nicely browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through just yet; we’re just getting some great color and flavor going. Once they’re looking good, scoop them out of the pot and set them aside on a plate.

Sautéing the Vegetables

Now, into that same pot (don’t clean it out!), add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Give them a good stir and let them soften up for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for them to get tender and maybe a little translucent. This is where all those lovely flavors start to build!

Building the Soup Base

Next, add your minced garlic to the pot. Stir it around for just about a minute until you can really smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Be careful not to let it burn! Then, pour in all 8 cups of chicken broth. Scrape up any little browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s pure flavor, trust me! Bring this all up to a rolling boil.

Simmering the Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup

Once your broth is boiling, it’s time to add back that browned chicken and the 1 cup of orzo pasta. Give everything a good stir. Now, turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer away. You’ll want to let it go for about 10 to 12 minutes. This is when the orzo will cook until it’s perfectly tender, and the chicken will finish cooking through.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Just a couple more steps to go! Stir in that fresh spinach and the frozen peas. They only need a few minutes to wilt and heat through, so don’t overcook them. Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper until it’s just right for you. Ladle this gorgeous, hearty soup into bowls, and sprinkle a generous amount of fresh chopped parsley over the top. It adds such a lovely fresh finish!

Tips for the Perfect Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup

Want to make your soup even more amazing? Here are a few little tricks:

For richer flavor: Skip browning raw chicken and use shredded meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead. It adds a wonderful depth!
Veggie power-up: Feel free to toss in other veggies like diced zucchini, chopped bell peppers, or even some corn. Just add them when you add the peas and spinach.
Brighten it up: A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving makes all the flavors pop! It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup

Got questions about this comforting soup? I’ve got answers!

Can I use different pasta in this Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup?

Absolutely! While orzo is my favorite because it’s just the right size, you can totally swap it out. If you use elbow macaroni, ditalini, or even small shells, just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package directions. You want it tender but not mushy! Sometimes, I even add a bit more broth if the pasta really soaks it up.

How long can I store leftover Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup?

This soup is fantastic for leftovers! Once it’s cooled down a bit, pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When you reheat it, you might need to add a splash more chicken broth because the orzo can absorb liquid as it sits.

Can I make this Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup vegetarian?

You sure can! To make this vegetarian, just skip the chicken. You can add more hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even some white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and texture. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a delicious meat-free version!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup

Just so you know, this is an estimate, but you’re looking at roughly 350 calories per serving. It’s a good source of protein with about 30g, and has around 35g of carbohydrates. You’ll also get about 8g of fat and 4g of fiber. Sodium is around 800mg, but that can vary depending on your broth!

Share Your Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup Experience

I’d absolutely love to hear from you if you try this Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup! Did you make any fun variations? Did it become a new family favorite? Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or give it a star rating if you loved it!

Amazing Hearty Chicken Orzo Soup in 1 Hour

Author: jekof.com
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and nutritious chicken orzo soup packed with fresh vegetables, perfect for a chilly day.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1/2 cup frozen peas
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add the browned chicken and orzo pasta to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Stir in fresh spinach and frozen peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and peas are heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can use rotisserie chicken.
Add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers if desired.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Chicken Orzo Soup, Vegetable Soup, Hearty Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe