Chicken Noodle Soup With Orzo

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Chicken soup is good for the soul, but add orzo? Now we’re talking magic in a bowl!

Traditional noodles can be swapped for this rice-shaped pasta, completely changing the comfort food game.

The tiny orzo soaks up all that savory broth while staying perfectly al dente.

This is a go-to remedy for cold days, sick days or just “I need something cozy” days.

There’s a secret ingredient that makes this soup absolutely unforgettable.

Contents show

Ingredients

Recommended Tools

Large Soup Pot:
A good-sized pot gives you plenty of room for simmering chicken, vegetables and noodles without overcrowding.
Chef’s Knife:
Makes quick work of chopping onions, carrots, celery and mincing garlic cloves for your soup base.
Wooden Spoon:
Perfect for stirring the soup and preventing the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot while cooking.
Measuring Cups:
Ensures you add the right amount of orzo and broth for perfect soup consistency every time.
Cutting Board:
Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and shredding the cooked chicken breast.
Kitchen Tongs:
Makes it easy to remove the chicken breasts from the hot broth when its time to shred them.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Start by heating a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in 1 large chopped onion and 2-3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant – your kitchen will smell amazing!

Next, add 2-3 sliced carrots and 2-3 sliced celery stalks along with a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt. Cook these veggies for about 3-5 minutes until they start to soften.

Time for the star of the show! Add 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot along with 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Fish out those chicken breasts and set them aside. Now’s the perfect moment to add 2/3 to 1 cup of orzo pasta to the simmering broth. Make sure you stir frequently – nobody wants clumpy pasta stuck to the bottom of the pot!

While your orzo is cooking, chop or shred that chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the orzo is tender (about 8-10 minutes), add the chicken back to the pot.

Finish your soup with a flourish! Stir in some fresh basil or parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice if you’re feeling zesty, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you want that extra touch of yum. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve it up steaming hot!

Don’t forget to stir that orzo often while it cooks – it’s a clingy little pasta!

Try whole grain or gluten-free orzo if that’s more your style. And always garnish with extra herbs or cheese for that Instagram-worthy bowl of comfort!

Pro Tips

For a time-saving shortcut when making chicken noodle soup, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts – simply shred it and add during the last few minutes of cooking just to warm through, allowing you to skip the poaching step entirely.

Substitutions & Variations

While chicken noodle soup is a comfort classic, a few simple tweaks can transform this beloved dish into something new without losing its soothing qualities.

Orzo Upgrade: Swap egg noodles for orzo pasta for a different texture and shorter cooking time, creating a chicken orzo soup that feels more Mediterranean.
Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables like sliced carrots and celery to increase nutritional value and color in your soup.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs such as basil or parsley at the end of cooking for a bright flavor profile that enhances the broth.
Citrus Finish: Stir in a splash of lemon juice just before serving to add a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness of the broth.
Mediterranean Twist: Include Italian seasoning in your base and finish with grated Parmesan cheese for a subtle Italian-inspired variation.
Grain Alternatives: Substitute regular orzo with whole grain or gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

Three simple words will change your chicken soup game forever: proper storage matters!

I store my leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Here’s the catch—the orzo continues absorbing liquid, so your soup thickens overnight. Add a splash of broth when reheating!

For longer storage, freeze in portions without the pasta for best results.

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