Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup Recipe

Imagine a bowl of cozy comfort – bright tomato broth, silky orzo, and juicy shredded chicken all swirled together in one satisfying spoonful. That’s exactly what you get with Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup, a recipe so inviting it’s bound to become your weeknight favorite. Each ingredient brings its own delicious reason to the table, resulting in a soup that’s at once hearty, fresh, and impossibly easy to make. Whether you’re warding off a winter chill or just looking for a quick family meal, this soup delivers in flavor and ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup lies in its handful of staples brought to life by a few bold flavor boosters. Every ingredient has a purpose, adding either a comforting texture, a pop of color, or a hint of depth that transforms humble pantry finds into a crave-worthy pot of soup.

• DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a fruity, robust foundation that coats each bite with richness.
• Garlic (4 cloves, thinly sliced or minced): Infuses the soup with classic warmth and savory aroma—don’t skimp here!
• DeLallo Tomato Paste (1/4 cup): Caramelizing this paste makes the broth extra rich and gives the soup its vivid red color.
• Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A simple blend that brings a touch of herby complexity and echoes the flavors of Italian kitchens.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): The backbone of the soup, adding body and a subtle chicken flavor that carries throughout.
• Salt (to taste): Enhances every ingredient; be sure to taste and adjust after adding your broth.
• DeLallo Orzo Pasta (1 cup): Little pasta grains that soak up all the flavor and turn each spoonful into pure comfort.
• Cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is perfect—quick, tender, and full of flavor.
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Just a splash softens the edges and gives the soup a luxurious finish without feeling too heavy.
• Water (1-2 cups, as desired): Useful for thinning the broth to your preferred consistency without diluting the flavor.
• Parmesan, herbs, red pepper flakes, and lemon (for serving): These finishing touches add zesty brightness, umami, heat, and color on top.
• Bread (for serving): The ideal soup-sidekick—choose something crusty and fresh to soak up every last drop.
• Pesto (optional, for serving): Swirled in or used as a dip for your bread, it’s an irresistible upgrade!

How to Make Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium high heat. Once shimmering, drop in the garlic and let it sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes—just until it’s softened and fragrant, never browned. This crucial first step develops a lush base and tames any raw garlic bite.

Step 2: Caramelize the Tomato Paste

Add the tomato paste and Italian seasoning to the hot pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes, until the tomato paste becomes thick, deepens in color, and almost starts sticking to the bottom. This unlocks layers of sweet-savory flavor that make Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup truly special.

Step 3: Gradually Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth little by little, scraping up any bits stuck on the bottom to create a smooth, vibrant broth. Pause and taste—this is the perfect opportunity to adjust the salt since different broths vary in seasoning. Aim for a broth that’s savory but not overpowering.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Stir in the orzo and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for around 10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and plump. If the soup looks too thick, add an extra cup or so of water (or broth) to loosen things up. Stir in the heavy cream to make the broth velvety and luscious.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Brighten Up

Fold in the shredded chicken and squeeze in a generous amount of fresh lemon juice right at the end. This sharp, zesty hit pulls all the flavors together and keeps Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup from ever tasting flat.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then finish each one with a flurry of Parmesan, fresh herbs, a dusting of red pepper flakes, and plenty of crusty bread on the side. If you’re feeling fancy, add a spoonful of pesto for a little Italian flair. Grab your spoon, dunk your bread, and dive in!

How to Serve Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup

Garnishes

A great bowl of Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is all about the finishing touches. A healthy sprinkle of grated Parmesan melts into each bowl, while fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or even chives add a pop of color and a burst of garden-fresh flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes helps wake up your palate, and a squeeze of lemon brings brightness to every bite. These little extras turn a simple soup into something memorable.

Side Dishes

While this soup can easily stand on its own, nothing pairs better than a slab of crusty bread—think sourdough, ciabatta, or even a warm garlic loaf. If you want to make things extra cozy, serve with a small side of pesto for dunking. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances out the richness and rounds out the meal with a refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, try serving Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup in sturdy bread bowls for a fun, hands-on presentation (and zero bowl washing). If you’re entertaining, garnish each serving with a tiny swirl of pesto and a fried basil leaf for restaurant-quality flair. Or, pack it up in thermoses for a comforting lunch on the go—this soup transports wonderfully!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. As the soup rests, the flavors meld and deepen, often tasting even better the next day. Just remember, orzo tends to absorb more liquid over time, so the soup may thicken up. You can always loosen leftovers with a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for a future easy dinner, freeze Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup before adding the orzo or cream for best results. Orzo can get too soft after freezing and thawing. If you’ve already cooked the full batch, it’s still safe to freeze – just expect a softer pasta texture. Use zip-top bags or airtight containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add an extra splash of broth or water to loosen it up, especially if it’s thickened. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about two minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Always wait to add garnishes until right before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup with uncooked chicken?

Absolutely! Just dice raw chicken breast or thighs and sauté them in the olive oil until fully cooked before adding the garlic. Then proceed with the recipe as written. It’s a great way to use up whatever chicken you have on hand!

What’s the best way to keep orzo from soaking up too much broth?

Orzo is a little sponge by nature, so for best results, cook it separately if you know you’ll have leftovers and only combine right before serving. Otherwise, just plan to loosen leftovers with extra hot broth or water when reheating.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute small shapes like ditalini, pastina, or even small shells if you don’t have orzo. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness before serving.

Is Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup gluten-free?

You can easily make this soup gluten-free by swapping out regular orzo for your favorite gluten-free small pasta. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times and enjoy all the same great flavors!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for canned white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get all the comforting flavors, just without the meat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something easy, cozy, and full of big Italian flavor, you just can’t go wrong with Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup. It’s the perfect recipe to warm up a chilly evening or impress your friends with minimal fuss. Give this a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

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