Description
This Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect combination of hearty, cozy, and comforting. Tender bites of seasoned chicken are simmered with orzo, crushed tomatoes, aromatics, and herbs, then finished with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy one-pot dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken and Seasoning:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 stalk celery, minced
- 1/4 white onion, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup dried orzo
- 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper – optional for heat
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with the spice mixture.
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides, until golden (you are not fully cooking the chicken at this stage). Remove and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, onion, and celery. Sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add in the dried orzo and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
- Add the diced chicken back to the pot, along with the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and water.
- Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Once the chicken and pasta are cooked through, stir in the chopped parsley and basil.
- Ladle into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and top with freshly grated Parmesan and more basil.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Searing the chicken first adds tons of flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Store any excess seasoning blend in a sealed jar for up to 6 months.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Taste for salt once the chicken and pasta are cooked.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, especially basil.
- Drizzle each bowl with good olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan before serving.
- If making ahead, store the pasta separately to avoid over-absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American