Imagine a soup so vibrant, so packed with flavor, it's like a warm hug for your taste buds! This Green Goddess Chicken Orzo Soup isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a magical, nourishing meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Packed with tender chicken, delicate orzo, and a rainbow of fresh herbs, this soup is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and add orzo pasta.
- Simmer the orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente).
- Stir in shredded cooked chicken and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes to heat the chicken thoroughly.
- Add chopped spinach, fresh parsley, and basil. Stir until spinach wilts and herbs are evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh herbs.
Tips
- Use homemade or high-quality chicken broth for the most robust flavor profile.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese when serving.
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken instead of cooking chicken specifically for this recipe.
- Make sure to chop herbs finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the soup.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of orzo or let it simmer a bit longer.
- This soup freezes beautifully—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo with quinoa or rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg
